Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a fresh and vibrant pasta dish featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes, all tossed with delicate angel hair pasta and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This light and flavorful recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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 4 tablespoons)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, julienned basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften slightly and begin to release their juices, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly so the pasta is coated with the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add additional julienned basil leaves. Toss again gently to distribute evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use the freshest basil possible to maximize flavor.
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- This pasta is best served immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
