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Celebrate the season with Summer Garden Pasta, a Fresh Summer Dish that’s light, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious! Juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in garlic, olive oil, and a hint of heat create a no-cook sauce, tossed with delicate angel hair pasta, fresh basil, and Parmesan. Perfect for breezy evenings, picnics, or quick dinners, this dish brings summer’s bounty to your table in minutes.

Why You’ll Love Summer Garden Pasta

Summer Garden Pasta shines as a Fresh Summer Dish:

Minimal Cooking: No-cook sauce keeps your kitchen cool.
Seasonal Star: Highlights ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.
Quick Prep: Ready in 15 minutes (plus marination).
Elegant Ease: Looks gourmet, feels effortless.
I make this Fresh Summer Dish every summer, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for Summer Garden Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need for Summer Garden Pasta (serves 4):

4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 lb angel hair pasta
½ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Tips:

Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor; heirloom varieties add color.
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin with peppery notes for richness.
Garlic: Thinly sliced for mellow infusion; avoid pre-minced.
Basil: Fresh for herbal brightness; tear leaves to prevent bruising.
Parmesan: Freshly grated for nutty depth; skip pre-shredded.

Directions for Summer Garden Pasta

Let’s create this vibrant Summer Garden Pasta!

Marinate Tomatoes

In a large bowl, I combine 4 cups halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup olive oil, 6 sliced garlic cloves, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. I stir well and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 4 hours (or overnight in the fridge, brought to room temperature before use) for deep flavor.

Cook Pasta

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb angel hair pasta until al dente, about 2–3 minutes. I drain well, reserving ¼ cup pasta water if needed.

Toss Pasta

I toss the hot pasta with the marinated tomato mixture, including all juices and oil, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if dry.

Add Basil and Cheese

I stir in ½ cup julienned basil and ¾ cup Parmesan, reserving ¼ cup cheese for garnish.

Serve

I serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan, savoring the fresh, summery flavors.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Marination Time: 4 hours
Total Time: ~15 minutes (plus marination)
Servings: 4
Calories: ~510 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 65g carbs, 15g protein, 25g fat, 4g fiber

Variations for Summer Garden Pasta

Try these twists on Summer Garden Pasta:

Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier Fresh Summer Dish.
Creamy Touch: Toss in mozzarella pearls or burrata for richness.
Veggie Swap: Mix in sautéed zucchini or roasted red peppers for extra color.
Briny Kick: Add 2 tbsp capers or Kalamata olives for bold flavor.
Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a balsamic reduction for a tangy-sweet note.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles for a seasonal feast.
Serve with an arugula salad or crusty bread to soak up juices in this Fresh Summer Dish.
Pair with Pinot Grigio, rosé, or sparkling lemonade for refreshment.
Use high-quality olive oil and marinate tomatoes overnight for best flavor; serve outdoors for a summery vibe.

Storage

I store Summer Garden Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. I serve chilled or at room temperature, as reheating can soften the pasta and mute flavors; a quick toss with extra olive oil revives it. For make-ahead, I marinate the tomato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and cook pasta just before serving. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in tomatoes and pasta.

FAQs About Summer Garden Pasta

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While angel hair keeps Summer Garden Pasta light, spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well. Adjust cooking time per package instructions.

Can I make the tomato mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerated, then bring to room temperature before tossing with pasta for best flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta (like rice or quinoa-based) and ensure all other ingredients, like Parmesan, are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.

Can I add more heat to the dish?
Yes! Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick in this Summer Garden Pasta.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Substitute with 2 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried basil, though fresh basil adds the brightest flavor to this dish.

More Summer Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant celebration of seasonal ingredients, delivering fresh, bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for warm evenings, gatherings, or quick meals, this dish captures the joy of summer eating. Try it out and savor the taste of sunshine on your plate!

Summer Garden Pasta

Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant celebration of seasonal ingredients, delivering fresh, bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for warm evenings, gatherings, or quick meals, this dish captures the joy of summer eating.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups cherry tomatoes halved
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
1 lb angel hair pasta
½ cup fresh basil leaves julienned
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese