Angel Hair Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes
A light, summery pasta dish that tosses delicate angel-hair noodles with sweet fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and a splash of olive oil for a quick week-night meal.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 225 g (8 oz) angel-hair pasta
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
- 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 15 g (½ cup, loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add angel-hair pasta and cook until al dente, 2–3 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, warm 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red-pepper flakes. Cook 3–4 minutes, just until the tomatoes release their juices.
- Toss drained pasta into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Stir in Parmesan until it melts and coats the noodles.
- Remove from heat, fold in fresh basil, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Divide among plates and serve immediately, passing extra Parmesan at the table.
Notes
- Use the ripest seasonal tomatoes you can find for maximum flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein.
- The dish comes together quickly—have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (≈225 g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: angel hair, fresh tomato pasta, quick dinner, summer recipe, Italian vegetarian