Bright, fresh, and bursting with summery flavor, this Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta captures everything you crave in a light but satisfying meal. Tender angel hair noodles are tossed with juicy sweet cherry tomatoes, ribbons of fresh basil, savory garlic, and a shower of Parmesan—simple ingredients that let every vibrant note shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Summer Flavors: The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil makes every bite taste like sunshine on a plate.
- Effortless to Prepare: Minimal hands-on time and mostly pantry staples mean you can throw this together even on your busiest days.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta is a guaranteed hit, satisfying family, friends, or even picky eaters at any summer table.
- Fuss-Free Elegance: With its colorful presentation and rich aroma, it looks and tastes impressive yet couldn’t be simpler to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta are a handful of kitchen staples—each one shines, so quality really counts here. Choose the ripest tomatoes, the most aromatic basil you can find, and don’t hold back on the real-deal Parmesan for a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts.
- Cherry Tomatoes (about 4 pints, halved): Go for the sweetest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—when in season, no ingredient is more flavorful.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This adds fruity richness and helps meld all the ingredients together; use your best bottle here.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Garlic gives a warm, mouthwatering savoriness that mingles beautifully with the freshness of basil and tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (18 large, julienned, plus more for garnish): Vibrant basil delivers a hit of herbal, anise-kissed fragrance—slice just before using for maximum aroma.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flake (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch wakes up the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the tomatoes and pasta perfectly.
- Angel Hair Pasta (1 lb): This delicate pasta soaks up the tomato juices and olive oil like a sponge. The perfect backdrop for all those fresh flavors.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1½ cups, plus more for serving): Salty, nutty Parmesan brings everything together—don’t be shy with it!
Variations
Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta is a blank canvas for your creativity—tweak it based on what’s in your fridge, your mood, or dietary needs. There’s truly no wrong way to bring a little personal flair to this simple summertime staple!
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or swap for your favorite plant-based cheese to keep things dairy-free and just as delicious.
- Switch Up the Pasta: Try spaghetti, linguine, or gluten-free angel hair if you need an easy substitute.
- Extra Veggies: Zucchini ribbons, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach wilted in the hot pasta are beautiful (and taste great, too!).
How to Make Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes
Start by halving all those gorgeous cherry tomatoes and placing them in a big mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, a generous pour of olive oil, strips of basil, red pepper flake, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and let everything mingle at room temperature for at least 4 hours—this draws out the juices, creating a luscious, fragrant “sauce” without any actual cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
When dinnertime approaches, get a large pot of generously salted water boiling. Add just a splash of olive oil, then the angel hair pasta. Stir well and cook, following the package directions—this pasta cooks quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid going mushy.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
As soon as the noodles are cooked, drain them thoroughly and immediately add them to your marinated tomato mixture. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of sliced basil leaves, then toss to combine. The heat from the pasta gently softens the tomatoes and melts the cheese into a velvety coating.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Spoon Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta onto plates or into shallow bowls. Top each portion with extra Parmesan and more basil. Serve right away while everything is still warm and fragrant—watch everyone go back for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta
- Room Temperature Magic: Don’t refrigerate your tomatoes before mixing—marinating at room temperature draws out sweetness and makes the “sauce” extra flavorful.
- Quick Cooking Trick: Angel hair cooks in a flash—taste early and drain as soon as it turns al dente to avoid overcooked, sticky noodles.
- Toss While Hot: Add just-drained pasta while it’s piping hot so the cheese melts smoothly and the flavors mingle perfectly.
- Choose the Best Cheese: Grab a wedge of real Parmesan and grate it yourself—pre-grated just can’t match the flavor or melting power.
How to Serve Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta
Garnishes
Generous clouds of freshly grated Parmesan are a must, along with plenty of torn basil for a fragrant burst of green. For a fun twist, a drizzle of your best peppery olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds extra richness and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a platter of grilled veggies. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for sopping up all those juicy tomato drippings!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving this pasta family-style on a big platter, crowned with extra basil and shavings of cheese. Or, twirl small nests onto appetizer plates for an elegant starter—either way, the vibrant colors make it a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta will keep, tightly covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more pronounced by day two, though the pasta will soften slightly.
Freezing
While you technically could freeze this dish, it’s not recommended—the delicate angel hair and fresh tomatoes tend to lose their best texture after thawing. For the most delicious results, make and enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle with a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently in a saute pan over low heat. Stir frequently and add a bit more fresh basil and Parmesan before serving to revive those lively flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pretty pop of color, ripe summer Roma or heirloom tomatoes (diced small) will work well—just be sure to use the most flavorful tomatoes you can find.
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Can I prepare the tomato mixture in advance?
Yes—you can marinate the tomato mixture up to 8 hours ahead. Just be sure to keep it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture; refrigerating can dull the tomatoes and firm up the olive oil.
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What if I can’t find fresh basil?
Fresh basil is a star ingredient in Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta, but in a pinch, you could use a touch of pesto or even some chopped flat-leaf parsley for brightness—though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
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How spicy does this pasta turn out?
The crushed red pepper gives the dish just a gentle tingle—if you prefer more (or less) heat, feel free to adjust the amount, or leave it out entirely for a mild version.
Final Thoughts
The next time you see ripe tomatoes and fresh basil at the market, let yourself be tempted—Basil Tomato Angel Hair Pasta is the best way to celebrate summer’s simple abundance. I hope it brings you as much joy around your table as it does mine. Enjoy every twirl and don’t forget the extra cheese!
Print
Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a delightful and fresh pasta dish bursting with the flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and Parmesan cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a summer meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Mixture:
- 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, red pepper flake, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the tomato mixture, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
- Serve: Garnish with more Parmesan and basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
