Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation. This pasta recipe is perfect for using fresh cherry tomatoes and basil from your garden, combined with the robust taste of garlic and the slight heat of red pepper flakes. It’s light, fresh, and absolutely delicious, making it an ideal meal for warm weather.
Ingredients
- 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 flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb angel hair pasta
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
Preparing the Tomato Mixture
- Combine Tomatoes and Garlic:
- In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasonings:
- Drizzle the tomatoes with enough extra virgin olive oil to coat them well (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup).
- Add the crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
- Add Basil:
- Add the julienned basil leaves to the tomato mixture and toss again to mix.
- Marinate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the tomato mixture marinate at room temperature for about 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain Pasta:
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Combining and Serving
- Mix Pasta with Tomato Mixture:
- Immediately add the hot pasta to the bowl with the marinated tomatoes. Toss well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the pasta with additional grated Parmesan cheese and julienned basil leaves on top for garnish.
Cook’s Notes and Variations
- Tomato Selection: For a different flavor, you can use heirloom tomatoes or a mix of cherry and grape tomatoes.
- Herb Variations: Try adding other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different twist.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture a few hours ahead and let it marinate. However, it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? A: Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, reduce the quantity to about 1 tablespoon and add it to the tomato mixture during the marination step.
Q: What type of pasta works best? A: Angel hair pasta is ideal due to its light and delicate texture, but you can use spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish? A: Absolutely! You can add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with the vibrant flavors of summer. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this delightful pasta recipe, and savor the taste of summer in every bite!