A dish that’s high on flavor, but astonishingly low on effort, this Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie is destined to become a staple in your kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie: Your Effortless Summer Pasta Dream
Welcome back to the kitchen! This week, we’re celebrating the invaluable gift of friendship, especially the kind that brings incredible, fuss-free recipes into our lives. If you’re a regular visitor here at The Beach House Kitchen, you know my profound love for entertaining. There’s truly nothing I enjoy more than immersing myself in the art of planning a perfect dinner party—from crafting a signature cocktail and delightful appetizers, to meticulously preparing a delectable main course, and finally, topping it all off with a scrumptious dessert for family and friends. It’s an experience that fills my soul with joy.
However, even the most dedicated hosts need a break, a moment to lean back and let others inspire. That’s where the magic of “Thank God for Friends Week” comes in! I cherish discovering new, must-try recipes passed down from friends—dishes they’ve perfected over the years, ones that have become beloved hits in their own homes. These are the treasured recipes I know you, my dear readers, will fall in love with too.
A Culinary Gift: Kathy’s Famous Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie
Today’s star dish, this exquisite Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie, comes directly from the kitchen of my wonderful friend, Kathy. She has been making this recipe for years, and it’s always the first dish requested whenever she hosts. It’s sourced from the renowned The Silver Palate Cookbook. The moment she described its vibrant flavors and incredible simplicity to me, I knew instantly it was a dish I had to try and, more importantly, share with all of you.
What immediately captivated me about this particular Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie recipe is its incredible balance: maximum flavor with minimal effort. I’m talking about a SUPER simple preparation! It relies on a mere six core ingredients, transforming them into a culinary masterpiece. Who doesn’t have time to combine a few fresh ingredients and allow them to marinate in a bowl for a few hours, then simply toss it with perfectly cooked pasta? It’s the kind of recipe that embodies laid-back elegance, ideal for a casual weeknight or a delightful summer gathering.
The Secret to its Irresistible Flavor Profile
The beauty of this pasta dish lies in its brilliant combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, pungent garlic, and a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This core blend is strikingly similar to the vibrant mixture used for classic tomato bruschetta, offering that burst of garden-fresh goodness. However, instead of serving it atop toasted bread, we’re pairing it with silky linguine, allowing the pasta to absorb every ounce of that sensational flavor. The real game-changer, though, is the addition of rich, creamy Brie cheese. As it gently melts into the warm pasta and tomato mixture, it creates an unbelievably smooth and luxurious texture that elevates the entire dish from simple to spectacular.
Mastering Your Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie: Essential Cook’s Notes
To ensure your Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- **Tomato Selection is Key:** It’s absolutely crucial to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for this recipe. Their natural sweetness and acidity are the backbone of the dish’s fresh flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to pressure, with a vibrant color and an inviting aroma. Roma, heirloom, or even cherry tomatoes will work beautifully if they are perfectly ripe.
- **Embrace Double Crème Brie:** For that signature velvety, creamy texture, I highly recommend using a Double Crème Brie. This type of Brie is richer and softer, melting seamlessly into the warm pasta and sauce. Ensure the rind is removed for the smoothest finish.
- **Don’t Rush the Marination:** Allowing the tomato mixture to marinate for at least two to three hours (I often aim for close to three!) at room temperature is non-negotiable. This time allows the flavors of the tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious and deeply flavorful sauce when tossed with the pasta.
- **Thoughtful Serving Suggestions:** While this Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie is incredibly satisfying on its own, it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. I love to serve it with a crisp, small side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, some crusty artisan bread for soaking up any remaining sauce, and, of course, a glass of your favorite wine to complement the meal. A simple grilled chicken breast or some sautéed shrimp would also make an excellent addition if you desire extra protein.
The Ultimate Summer Staple and Beyond
This Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It will be absolutely perfect all summer long, especially during those glorious months when summer tomatoes are overflowing at local outdoor markets and grocery stores. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors truly capture the essence of the season. But don’t let summer be your only excuse to make it; this dish brings a ray of sunshine even on the dreariest days, making it a year-round comfort food.
Customization and Variations for Your Palate
One of the beauties of this easy Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment!
- **Pasta Alternatives:** While linguine provides a wonderful texture for this dish, other pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or even rotini would work equally well. Choose what you love or what you have on hand.
- **Cheese Choices:** If Brie isn’t your preference, fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces, goat cheese, or even a creamy burrata could offer a different, yet equally delicious, creamy element.
- **Adding Protein:** For a more substantial meal, consider tossing in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage after the pasta is cooked.
- **Veggie Boost:** Enhance the vegetable content with additions like sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes (if fresh are out of season).
- **Spice It Up:** A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the marinating mixture will give it a subtle kick.
I genuinely hope you all enjoy preparing and savoring this incredible Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie as much as I do. And once again, a heartfelt thank you to my dear friend Kathy for sharing such a delicious and simple treasure!
Linguine with Tomatoes, Basil and Brie
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Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped into 1/2 inch chunks
- 1 13.2 oz. Double Creme Brie Cheese, rind removed and torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, packed and julienned
- 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb. linguine
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, torn Brie, julienned basil, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least two to three hours before serving. This marination step is crucial for flavor development.
- Bring 6 quarts of generously salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water (this helps prevent the pasta from sticking). Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until it is tender yet still firm to the bite (al dente), usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water if you desire a slightly looser sauce. Immediately transfer the hot, drained linguine to the large serving bowl with the marinated tomato mixture. Toss vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the Brie begins to melt, creating a creamy coating for the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.
Nutrition
Adapted from The Silver Palate Cookbook for modern, effortless cooking.