This Easy Summer Garden Pasta is a colorful delight filled with fresh veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. It’s quick to make, keeping your kitchen cool in the summer heat!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s like a party on a plate? I throw in some herbs for extra flavor, and it’s all ready in no time. Perfect for a warm evening with friends!
I love serving this pasta with a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s a great way to enjoy the bright flavors of summer without spending hours cooking. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Angel Hair Pasta: I love using angel hair for its delicate texture. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you have it on hand. Whole wheat pasta is a great healthy swap too.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness! If you can’t find them, substitute with grape tomatoes or even chopped regular tomatoes. Just be sure to remove seeds for less moisture.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that summery flavor! You could use dried basil in a pinch, but use 1/3 the amount or it may be too strong. Parsley is a good alternative if you’re out of basil.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the dish beautifully. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do You Keep the Pasta From Sticking Together?
Not tackling the pasta sticking can lead to a clumpy dish. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Use plenty of salted water for boiling. The salt adds flavor and helps keep the pasta from sticking together.
- Don’t forget to stir the pasta for the first couple of minutes while it cooks—this helps separate the strands.
- Add a touch of olive oil to the pot or to the drained pasta if you’re worried about sticking. Just a teaspoon is enough!
Follow these steps, and your pasta will stay perfectly separated and ready to mix with those tasty garden ingredients!
Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus a few whole leaves for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, giving you a total of about 20 minutes to create this delightful summer pasta dish.
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the angel hair pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes just a few minutes because angel hair cooks quickly! After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Mix the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!), salt, and pepper. This is the colorful, fresh base that makes this pasta shine.
3. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the pasta is well-coated and infused with those fresh flavors.
4. Add Cheese and Serve:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of your pasta and give it another light toss. You want it mixed in but don’t worry if some cheese stays on top. It’ll melt slightly and be delicious!
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
Transfer your vibrant pasta to a serving bowl. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if you like. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature for a refreshing summer meal!
This dish beautifully highlights fresh garden ingredients and is perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have angel hair, feel free to swap it with spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta types have different cooking times.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Prepare This Pasta in Advance?
Yes! This pasta can be made ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You might want to add a bit of olive oil before serving to freshen it up, as the pasta might absorb some moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, or warm it gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
