Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe
If you’re in search of a dish that practically sings with summer freshness, look no further than Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe. This pasta is the very definition of effortless elegance, brimming with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, garden-fresh basil, and a generous shower of Parmesan. It’s a recipe that truly celebrates the best of the season and makes every bite taste like a sun-soaked afternoon spent among bursting tomato vines. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard dinner or simply want a quick weeknight meal, this pasta will quickly become your go-to summer staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe so magical is its devotion to simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, adding freshness, creaminess, or a pop of color that transforms an ordinary bowl of noodles into something extraordinary.
- Cherry Tomatoes (4 pints, halved): Use the ripest cherry tomatoes you can find for a burst of sweetness and beautiful color in every bite.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup): This coats the pasta and tomatoes with a silky richness, bringing all the flavors together.
- Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon, about 3 cloves): For a fragrant, savory kick that infuses the entire dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of your fresh ingredients.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and a touch of earthiness.
- Angel Hair Pasta (1 pound): Delicate strands that soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1½ cups): Melts into the warm pasta, adding creaminess and a savory depth.
- Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup): The finishing touch that adds color, aroma, and unmistakable summer flavor.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes
Begin by making the most of those sun-ripened cherry tomatoes. In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until the tomatoes are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least four hours. This marinating time is when the magic really happens—the tomatoes soften, their juices mingle with the oil and spices, and the flavors meld into a perfect summer sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
When you’re nearly ready to eat, bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente, following the package instructions—usually only a couple of minutes for angel hair. This delicate pasta is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that marinated tomato mixture.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Drain the pasta well, then immediately toss it with the marinated tomato mixture. The heat of the noodles helps to release even more flavor from the tomatoes and garlic, creating a luscious, light sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Basil
Next, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped basil leaves. Toss everything again until the cheese melts slightly and the basil is evenly distributed, infusing the pasta with its fresh, summery aroma. The result is a bowl of pasta that’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve your Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s absolutely irresistible. The dish is perfect for a relaxed family dinner or as a show-stopping centerpiece for any summer gathering.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, scatter a few extra basil leaves on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan. If you love a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch more red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle a little more good olive oil for extra richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, some crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or a platter of grilled vegetables. If you want to add protein, grilled shrimp or chicken taste delicious with these bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe family-style in a big, colorful bowl for a casual gathering, or plate individual portions with a nest of pasta and a tumble of tomatoes on top. You can even serve it cold as a pasta salad at a picnic or potluck—just be sure to bring plenty, because it disappears fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making the pasta just as delicious the next day—maybe even more so!
Freezing
While this dish is all about fresh, bright flavors, you can freeze the marinated tomato sauce separately if you have an abundance of ripe tomatoes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month, then thaw and toss with freshly cooked pasta and basil when you’re ready for a taste of summer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra olive oil, stirring until just heated through. Alternatively, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge—the flavors are incredible even when cold!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While angel hair is wonderfully light, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even a short pasta like penne. Just keep in mind that thinner noodles soak up the sauce more readily.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with a smaller amount of dried basil, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Other fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also add a lovely twist.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe is delicious with grilled shrimp, chicken, or even white beans for a vegetarian boost. Add your protein of choice just before serving.
How long should I marinate the tomatoes?
For the best flavor, marinate the tomatoes for at least four hours at room temperature. If you’re short on time, even one hour will yield a tasty sauce, but the longer marinating really lets the flavors shine.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic choice for meal prep, especially in summer. You can make the tomato mixture ahead and keep it covered at room temperature, then cook the pasta and toss everything together right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a table with loved ones to enjoy Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this pasta is the taste of summer in every bite. I hope you give it a try, share it with friends, and make it your own favorite warm-weather classic!
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Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring marinated cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil tossed with angel hair pasta and Parmesan cheese. This easy, make-ahead recipe is perfect for warm weather and showcases the flavors of summer.
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta
- 1 pound angel hair pasta
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the Tomatoes: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Toss Pasta with Tomato Mixture: While the pasta is still warm, immediately add it to the bowl with the marinated tomato mixture. Toss well to combine and ensure the pasta absorbs the flavorful juices from the tomatoes.
- Add Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil over the pasta and tomato mixture. Toss again until the pasta is evenly coated with cheese and basil, enhancing the dish’s freshness and richness.
- Serve: Serve the Summer Garden Pasta warm or at room temperature. This dish pairs well with grilled shrimp or chicken if you want to add protein.
Notes
- This is an excellent make-ahead summer dish since the tomato mixture can marinate for several hours before serving.
- For best flavor, use the ripest cherry tomatoes available.
- If you want to boost the protein content, consider topping the pasta with grilled shrimp or chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
