Description
Summer garden pasta brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table with crisp vegetables and herbs. Homemade goodness awaits when you explore this light, seasonal dish perfect for warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- 4 pints (1.9 kg) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus more for serving
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
Liquids and Oils:
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Create a vibrant tomato mixture by combining halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend the ingredients and let the mixture rest at room temperature for 4 hours to develop rich, harmonious flavors.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a gentle splash of olive oil, then carefully submerge the angel hair pasta, cooking until it reaches a perfect al dente texture according to package instructions.
- Completely drain the pasta, then transfer it directly into the bowl containing the marinated tomato mixture. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and scatter additional fresh basil leaves over the pasta.
- Gently toss the pasta until every strand is evenly coated with the aromatic tomato mixture, ensuring the cheese and herbs are well distributed throughout the dish.
- Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve while warm to capture the essence of a vibrant summer garden on your plate.
Notes
- Marinate tomatoes ahead of time to intensify the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean-style dish that elevates the overall taste.
- Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, making this recipe more versatile and satisfying for different dietary needs.
- For a gluten-free version, swap angel hair pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives without compromising the fresh, summery essence of the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg