Fresh Tomato and Basil Angel Hair Pasta Recipe: A No-Measuring Delight
Welcome to a culinary adventure that celebrates spontaneity and personal taste! Today, we’re diving into a fresh, vibrant dish that is one of my husband’s favorites: Easy Tomato and Basil Pasta Recipe. This no-measuring recipe encourages you to play with flavors and ingredients, making it your own. So, let’s get started and indulge in a meal that’s as colorful and delightful as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- Angel hair pasta
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (mixed colors for a vibrant touch)
- Good Quality Olive Oil
- Minced garlic
- Fresh basil leaves (or pesto if you’re short on basil)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Boil the Pasta: Start by boiling water and cooking the angel hair pasta according to the instructions. This delicate pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Sauté the Tomatoes: Grab a few handfuls of flavorful grape or cherry tomatoes while the pasta cooks. I love using a mix of colors—orange, yellow, and red—for a beautiful presentation. Slice the tomatoes in half or thirds, depending on their size and your preference.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the tomatoes. Sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender, hot throughout, and releasing their rich flavors and vibrant colors.
- Add the Garlic: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in minced garlic. The amount of garlic is up to you—add more for a robust flavor or less for a milder touch.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Basil: Chiffonade fresh basil leaves by stacking, rolling, and slicing them into thin ribbons. Use as much basil as you like; its fresh, aromatic flavor is vital to this dish. If you’re short on fresh basil, a teaspoon or two of pesto works well too.
- Combine and Toss: Carefully swirl the hot pasta into the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Be cautious not to add too much pasta, as you want a good balance between the pasta and the tomato mixture.
- Pair with Wine: Serve your masterpiece with a glass of your favorite wine. My go-to pairing for this dish is a good Cabernet Sauvignon, but feel free to choose your favorite.
- Serve!
Enjoy your food
Are you feeling adventurous? This dish is incredibly versatile. Toss in some crisp asparagus for added crunch, earthy mushrooms for a deeper flavor, sun-dried tomatoes to intensify the tomato goodness, or diced chicken for a protein boost. I have even thrown some finely diced shallots into the oil. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its unique twist.
This Easy Tomato and Basil Pasta Recipe is full of vibrant colors, aromatic basil, and rich flavors of sautéed tomatoes and garlic. The aroma will fill your home with the taste of summer. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the best recipes allow for a little creativity and a lot of love.
Another plus is that this recipe is just as good the next day, cold or room temperature!
Bon Appetite!
Do you love Italian food like I do? Then check out Trumball County’s Italian Food Trail here. It’s guaranteed to get you driving in that direction.
