Ina Garten’s Garden Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the best of fresh ingredients. It’s a light, flavorful meal that’s perfect for summer when tomatoes are at their peak. This copycat recipe allows you to recreate the same vibrant flavors in your kitchen with just a few ingredients. The dish is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta (or any pasta of your choice): Spaghetti is the classic choice for this recipe, but feel free to use other types of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if you prefer.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish and pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes and basil.
- 16 basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil is essential for this recipe, providing a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
- 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, making them a great choice for this pasta dish. Halving them allows their juices to mix with the garlic and olive oil, creating a light sauce.
- 1 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, salty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce slightly as it melts into the pasta.
- Olive oil as needed: Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and coat the pasta, adding a smooth, fruity flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, but this is optional depending on your taste preference.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will give it a bitter taste.
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the tomatoes until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the tomatoes have softened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta with the tomatoes and garlic, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Add the Basil and Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil slightly, releasing its aroma and flavor. Then, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
7. Serve:
- Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and drizzle with a bit more olive oil for extra richness. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Additions: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy pancetta to the pasta.
- Vegetable Variations: You can also add other vegetables such as sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
Ina Garten’s Garden Pasta is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The freshness of the tomatoes and basil, combined with the savory depth of garlic and Parmesan, makes for a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this pasta dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it with a glass of your favorite white wine, and you have a meal that’s truly delightful in its simplicity.
