Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant and fresh dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes combined with fragrant basil and garlic, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta and finished with grated Parmesan. This easy-to-make recipe celebrates summer flavors and comes together quickly for a delightful, light pasta meal perfect for warm weather dining.
Ingredients
Produce
- 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
Pantry
- Great quality extra virgin olive oil (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb. dried angel hair pasta
Dairy
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (approximately 1/2 cup plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, julienned basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine: Add the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to combine, letting the pasta absorb the flavors. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly and create a light sauce.
- Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional julienned basil leaves over the pasta. Toss thoroughly so the cheese melts slightly and the basil flavor infuses throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves as desired for a bright and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes possible for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if the dish feels dry.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed within 1-2 days.
