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Summer Garden Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 114 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Summer Garden Pasta featuring marinated cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfectly tossed with al dente angel hair pasta for a light yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Marinade

  • 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pasta

  • 1 pound angel hair pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Tomatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.
  3. Combine and Toss: Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately add it to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with additional fresh basil leaves. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all elements are evenly combined and the pasta is well coated with the flavorful tomato mixture.
  4. Serve Fresh: Serve the pasta immediately while warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves to enhance both taste and presentation, offering a delightful summery meal that’s light, fresh, and easy to enjoy.

Notes

  • Letting the tomatoes marinate for the full 4 hours really boosts the flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 1 hour can add a nice touch.
  • You can substitute angel hair pasta with spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
  • For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during marinating can add a subtle tangy sweetness.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; pasta may absorb more liquid over time.

Keywords: summer pasta, cherry tomatoes, marinated tomatoes, angel hair pasta, fresh basil, easy pasta recipe, Italian summer dish, no cook tomato sauce