Ina Gartens Summer Garden Pasta

You might not know that Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta celebrates the freshest ingredients of the season, making it a go-to dish for summer gatherings. With just a quick marinade and minimal cooking time, this recipe is both easy and delicious. By using simple staples like cherry tomatoes and basil, you can create a vibrant meal that suits any occasion. Curious about how to make it? Let’s take a closer look at the details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why should you try Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta? This recipe is all about ease and simplicity.

With just a 5-minute tomato marinade and pasta that cooks in only 2-3 minutes, you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen. Most of the total preparation time is for marinating, which you can do in advance. The recipe emphasizes easy yet delicious cooking, making it accessible for everyone.

The fresh seasonal ingredients, like cherry tomatoes and basil, combine to create rich flavors that really shine. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a dinner party, this dish serves six and pairs well with salads or garlic bread.

You can even customize it with different pasta shapes or add mozzarella for an extra twist.

History

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta has its roots in her beloved cookbook “Barefoot Contessa at Home,” where she first shared this delightful recipe.

This dish highlights fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. You marinate the tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and basil for four hours before combining them with cooked pasta. Saucy tomatoes are essential to enhance the pasta dish, providing a burst of flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.

Inspired by classic Italian dishes, especially bruschetta, it’s gained popularity for its simplicity and fresh flavors. Since its debut, many food bloggers have shared their own adaptations, showcasing its versatility.

The recipe’s seasonal appeal makes it especially popular in summer when tomatoes are at their peak, promoting sustainable cooking practices and sparking conversations among food enthusiasts online.

Recipe

Ingredients
– 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
– Extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons (6 cloves) garlic, minced
– 18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
– Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– 1 lb. dried angel hair pasta
– Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– Optional: Additional basil for garnish, fresh mozzarella instead of Parmesan

Cooking Instructions
1. In a shallow bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, julienned basil, and a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Stir to combine, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This resting time is crucial for allowing the tomatoes and basil to develop their full flavor.

After the marinating time, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinated tomato mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta and mix well. Season with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste, making sure everything is well combined.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Extra Tips
When preparing this dish, it’s important to verify the tomatoes are evenly coated with the olive oil mixture to maximize flavor.

For a vegan option, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with grated Brazil nuts for a creamy alternative.

Additionally, consider serving the pasta with slices of sourdough baguette and a fresh green salad to round out the meal.

Avoid letting the tomato mixture sit overnight, as this may cause the tomatoes to become too soft and lose their vibrant texture.

Enjoy the freshness of summer with every bite!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to enjoying Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta, you’ll find that it’s not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. This dish is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time, which is perfect for summer gatherings. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil create an inviting presentation. Additionally, this pasta is made with one-bowl meal preparation in mind, making cleanup a breeze. You can serve it as a main or side dish, and it pairs well with garlic bread or salads. With the option to customize ingredients and flavors, it fits various tastes. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this pasta offers a delightful balance of flavors. Don’t forget to complement it with a crisp white wine for an enhanced experience.

FAQ

Have you ever wondered about the best ways to enjoy Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta? First, remember to marinate the tomato mixture at room temperature for four hours. This allows the flavors to develop.

When it’s time to serve, boil salted water, add olive oil, and cook angel hair pasta according to the package directions, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes. After draining the pasta, mix it with the marinated tomatoes. Notably, the show “Reconcilable Differences” discusses personal experiences that can inspire your cooking journey.

Don’t forget to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves for added flavor. If you’re looking to enhance the dish further, adding olive oil to the pasta water can help prevent sticking.

Enjoy this simple, fresh, and delicious Italian-inspired meal!