Summer Garden Pasta

There's something truly magical about turning the season's bounty into a dish that's both comforting and refreshing 🍅🌿. Our Summer Garden Pasta captures the essence of summer with ingredients that speak of sunshine and outdoor gatherings. Juicy, ripe tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy base, while fresh basil adds a layer of aromatic depth. The zest of lemon brightens the dish, bringing a hint of citrus that elevates it from simple pasta to a memorable summer meal. Each bite offers a blend of textures, from the al dente pasta to the soft, burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes, making every forkful a celebration of summer. It's not just the flavors that make this dish special; it's the way it brings people together, around a table filled with laughter and good food. 🍝✨

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:02:01 GMT
A vibrant bowl of Summer Garden Pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese Save it
A vibrant bowl of Summer Garden Pasta with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese | myhomemaderecipe.com

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh and light meals that take advantage of seasonal produce. One of the best dishes to make during this time is Summer Garden Pasta. This recipe combines sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and sharp Parmesan cheese to create a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Summer Garden Pasta is sure to impress. The marinated tomatoes bring a burst of flavor, while the delicate angel hair pasta provides the perfect base for this vibrant and tasty dish.

Ingredients

Gathering fresh and high-quality ingredients is key to making this Summer Garden Pasta truly shine. Here's what you'll need:

  • Cherry Tomatoes: 4 pints, halved. Sweet and tangy.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/2 cup for the marinade, plus more as needed.
  • Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Aromatic depth.
  • Basil: 18 large leaves, julienned, plus more for serving. Fresh fragrance.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon. Subtle heat.
  • Kosher Salt: To taste, with 1 teaspoon for the marinade.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Angel Hair Pasta: 1 pound. Absorbs the marinade flavors.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, plus more for serving. Rich and savory.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Summer Garden Pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture

Combine cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 4 hours to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil angel hair pasta in salted water with a splash of olive oil. Cook until al dente, about 3-4 minutes. Drain well.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Tomato Mixture

Toss the hot pasta with the marinated tomatoes. Add Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, mixing until well coated.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with additional Parmesan and basil, and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

Here are tips to serve and store your Summer Garden Pasta:

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a shallow bowl for elegant presentation. Pair with crisp white wine, a green salad, or garlic bread.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a drizzle of olive oil to restore the sauce.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed zucchini or bell peppers.
  • Protein Options: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Use Pecorino Romano or fresh mozzarella.

Expert Tips

"Use the freshest ingredients for the best results," says Chef Laura. "Marinate the tomatoes longer for enhanced flavor."

Summer Garden

Embrace the bounty of the season with our Summer Garden Pasta, featuring sun-kissed tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a whisper of lemon zest. It's a symphony of flavors that celebrates the very essence of summer dining, crafted in the style of Ina Garten.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 large bowl of pasta)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved.
02 Extra virgin olive oil, as needed.
03 6 cloves garlic, minced.
04 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus more for serving.
05 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
06 Kosher salt, to taste.
07 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
08 1 lb angel hair pasta.
09 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, julienned basil, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well, then cover and let sit at room temperature for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 02

When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of olive oil to the water, then cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Step 03

Drain the pasta thoroughly and add it to the bowl with the marinated cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add a few more fresh basil leaves. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 04

Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish. Enjoy this light and flavorful summer dish!.

Notes

  1. Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant and fresh dish that’s perfect for warm weather dining. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and sharp Parmesan cheese creates a delightful and refreshing meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 15 g