This Easy Summer Garden Pasta is a fresh and colorful dish that celebrates summer veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and basil. It’s light, quick, and perfect for warm days!
I love how I can whip this up in about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a great way to use garden-fresh produce. You might find yourself going back for seconds—it’s that good! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: The angel hair pasta makes this dish light and delicate, but you can use spaghetti or any favorite pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes are perfect for this dish. If they aren’t available, consider using grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just adjust the amount for your taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, using about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove if needed.
Fresh Basil: Basil really brings out the summer vibe. If you don’t have fresh basil, use dried basil—about 1 teaspoon should do, but fresh is always better!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty touch. You might swap this with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta may seem simple, but there are some tips to remember for the best texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water and salt it well—this enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, checking a minute before the time is up for that al dente bite.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta quickly, but don’t rinse it! Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling well.
Following these steps ensures a tasty pasta experience in your Easy Summer Garden Pasta!
Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ÂĽ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Summer Garden Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that lets you enjoy fresh garden flavors in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the angel hair pasta (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still firm to the bite, known as al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Preparing the Tomato Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir and let it sit for a few minutes. This wait allows the flavors to mingle beautifully!
3. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to introduce the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture. Add the drained pasta to the bowl and toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well-coated with the vibrant tomato and garlic mix.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and most of the chopped basil, setting aside a bit of basil for garnish. This adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
5. Serving Up:
Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for added richness and flavor.
6. Garnishing:
Sprinkle the remaining basil leaves and a generous amount of extra Parmesan cheese on top. It’s time to make it look irresistible!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Summer Garden Pasta immediately while it’s fresh and bright. Enjoy every bite of the lovely garden flavors!
FAQ: Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While I recommend angel hair or spaghetti for a light dish, you can also use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you enjoy. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of pasta you choose.
What if I Don’t Have Cherry Tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, feel free to use grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the quantity based on the sweetness and juiciness you prefer!
How Can I Make This Vegetarian Pasta Dish Vegan?
To keep this dish plant-based, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. This will still give you that savory flavor without dairy!
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help revive it. The fresh flavors might not be as intense after storage, but it will still be delicious!
