Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a light and flavorful dish featuring marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese tossed with delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for warm weather, this recipe highlights fresh garden ingredients and comes together easily with a few simple steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Marinade
- 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Marinate Tomatoes: Place the halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate at room temperature for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to release their juices.
- Cook Pasta: When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 2-3 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Toss Pasta and Tomatoes: Immediately add the hot drained pasta to the marinated tomato mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful tomato juices and oil.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add the chopped fresh basil. Toss gently again to distribute the cheese and basil throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature as desired. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil for added richness and garnish with additional Parmesan or basil if preferred.
Notes
- Use the freshest cherry tomatoes available for the best flavor and texture.
- For a richer dish, drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Add protein by mixing in mozzarella pearls or grilled shrimp to turn it into a more substantial meal.
- This dish is perfect for preparing ahead; the marinated tomatoes can be made in advance.
