Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving the absolute flavors of summer in a single bite, look no further than Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta. With juicy sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of heat tossed through silky angel hair, this vibrant pasta is the very essence of warm evenings and garden-fresh abundance.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta so magical is its pure simplicity—each ingredient truly shines! Choose the best you can find, and every flavor will pop with that sun-kissed, just-picked goodness.

• Cherry Tomatoes (4 pints, halved): Use the ripest, sweetest cherry or grape tomatoes you can find—this is the heart of the pasta’s fresh sauce.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Reach for great-quality oil since it’s soaked uncooked into the tomatoes; its flavor really matters.
• Garlic (2 tablespoons, about 6 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with an irresistible savory kick—don’t skimp!
• Fresh Basil (18 large leaves, julienned, plus extra): Gorgeously aromatic, basil is a must for that unmistakable summer garden taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ to 1 teaspoon): Add as much heat as you enjoy; they bring a gentle background warmth that makes the dish sing.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These enhance and balance all the flavors—season with a generous hand.
• Dried Angel Hair Pasta (1 lb): This delicate pasta soaks up the tomato juices beautifully, staying tender and light.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for serving): Grate it fresh for the best texture and flavor—Parmesan adds that salty, nutty finish.

Variations

The beauty of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family, your garden haul, or simply your mood!

• Use Different Pasta Shapes: Swap angel hair for spaghetti, linguine, or even bowties if you’re craving texture or need to use up what’s in the pantry.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Preparing for guests? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—rice or chickpea pastas work especially well here.
• Add Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra creamy bite, toss in fresh mozzarella pearls or chopped mozzarella just before serving.
• Try Other Herbs: Mix in fresh oregano, chives, or flat-leaf parsley to match the herbs from your own summer garden.
• Boost the Veggies: Add sautéed zucchini, baby spinach, or even grilled corn for more color and flavor.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes

Start by halving all those glorious cherry tomatoes and piling them into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the olive oil, minced garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and plenty of black pepper. Mix everything together and let this bowl of goodness sit covered at room temperature for at least four hours. The tomatoes soak up the oil and aromatics, turning into a juicy, fragrant sauce—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

When it’s time for dinner, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the angel hair just until al dente, which is usually only about three minutes. Reserve a splash of the pasta water (just in case!) before draining, to help loosen the finished dish if you need it. Tender but not mushy is the goal here.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the drained hot pasta directly to the bowl of marinated tomatoes—it’ll smell like summer instantly! Shower the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil, then toss everything gently so each strand is glossy and coated. If it looks a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water or a drizzle of extra olive oil until it’s perfect.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta in generous bowls. Offer extra Parmesan and fresh basil at the table so everyone can customize their own—then savor every bite while it’s still warm and vibrant!

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly stunning finish, scatter extra julienned basil over each bowl of pasta, along with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. A little drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds gloss and an extra hit of fruity flavor—so simple and so beautiful!

Side Dishes

This pasta loves a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette—think arugula, lemon, and pine nuts! Warm, crusty bread is practically a requirement for mopping up all the delicious tomato-olive oil juices left at the bottom of the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta family-style on a big platter, or twirl individual portions into little nests for a dinner party. For a fresh twist, top with torn burrata, sliced prosciutto, or edible flowers from your herb garden—summer on a plate, guaranteed to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will mellow and deepen overnight—which means lunch the next day is seriously good!

Freezing

This dish is all about fresh tomatoes and herbs, so freezing isn’t recommended—the texture of the tomatoes will become mushy and the basil can turn brown. For best results, enjoy it fresh while the ingredients are in their prime.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftover pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over low heat, just until loosened and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the pasta and dull the sweet, fresh flavor of the tomatoes and basil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t experienced the complete joy of sun-ripened tomatoes and basil with silky pasta, Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is your must-try recipe this season. Whether you’re eating outside on the patio or bringing the taste of summer indoors, I truly hope you’ll give this easy, spectacular dish a spot in your rotation. Enjoy every vibrant forkful—and don’t forget the extra cheese!

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