# Tuscan Skillet with Fresh Chopped Tomatoes and Garlic Knots

## A Delightful Tuscan Skillet with Fresh Tomatoes and Garlic Knots

Experience the rich flavors of Tuscan cuisine with this mouthwatering **Tuscan skillet with fresh chopped tomatoes and garlic knots**. Bursting with garden-fresh ingredients, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with aromatic garlic knots, all simmered to perfection in a single skillet. Whether you’re seeking a rustic Italian-inspired meal or a comforting, homemade dish, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family.

Tuscan cooking relies on fresh, simple ingredients to bring out deep, rich flavors. The combination of fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and fragrant herbs creates a saucy, robust base, while the garlic knots add a soft, buttery texture to every bite. The beauty of this skillet dish is in its simplicity, honoring the traditional essence of Tuscan home cooking while allowing for modern adaptations.

## Quick Recipe Highlights
– **Flavor Profile:** The dish balances bright acidity from tomatoes with deep savory and garlicky notes, enhanced by fresh herbs.
– **Texture:** Soft and chewy garlic knots contrast beautifully with the vibrant and slightly chunky tomato sauce.
– **Aroma:** The scent of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil fills the kitchen with an irresistible Italian essence.
– **Visual Appeal:** A vibrant red sauce with golden, pillow-like garlic knots makes this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.
– **Skill Level Needed:** Suitable for intermediate home cooks looking to expand their skills in skillet-based and rustic Italian cooking.
– **Special Equipment:** A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution and flavor enhancement.

## Recipe Overview
– **Difficulty Level:** Moderate – requires understanding of sautéing, simmering, and timing the garlic knots for the best texture.
– **Category:** One-skillet meal, main course.
– **Cuisine:** Tuscan/Italian – inspired by traditional rustic flavors and cooking methods.
– **Cost:** Budget-friendly – made with pantry staples and fresh produce.
– **Season:** Best enjoyed in summer and early fall when tomatoes are at their peak.
– **Occasion:** Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or weekend cooking adventures.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This **Tuscan skillet with fresh chopped tomatoes and garlic knots** highlights the beauty of cooking simple, high-quality ingredients in a one-pan meal. The sauce is rich and flavorful, bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and a hint of umami from olive oil and seasonings. Plus, the homemade garlic knots add a fun, hands-on element that makes this dish extra satisfying.

Preparing everything in a single skillet means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The recipe is also highly adaptable—throw in your favorite protein, adjust the spices, or make it vegan by using dairy-free butter. It’s a deliciously wholesome dish that really taps into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.

Packed with nutrients from fresh tomatoes and garlic, this dish offers a dose of antioxidants and heart-healthy properties. The garlic knots, while indulgent, provide an excellent way to soak up the flavorful sauce without overpowering the delicate balance of ingredients.

## The Recipe: Tuscan Skillet with Fresh Chopped Tomatoes and Garlic Knots

### Kitchen Equipment Needed
– Large cast-iron skillet
– Mixing bowls
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Baking sheet (for garlic knots)

### Ingredients
#### For the Tomato Skillet
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 large tomatoes, chopped
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
– ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

#### For the Garlic Knots
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 3 tbsp melted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ tsp kosher salt

### Directions
1. **Heat the skillet** over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. **Add chopped tomatoes** along with oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
3. **Pour in broth** and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
4. **Prepare the garlic knots**: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out pizza dough and cut into strips. Tie each strip into a knot and place them on a baking sheet.
5. **Make garlic butter**: Mix melted butter, garlic, and parsley. Brush over the knots and sprinkle with salt.
6. **Bake garlic knots** for 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed up.
7. **Finish the skillet**: Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed. Arrange garlic knots around the skillet and serve warm.

### Recipe Notes
– For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the skillet before serving.
– Use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for more robust flavor.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Enjoy making this **Tuscan skillet with fresh chopped tomatoes and garlic knots**, and let the irresistible aroma of home-cooked Italian flavors fill your kitchen! Let us know in the comments how your dish turned out, and don’t forget to share your photos!