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- 8 ounces angel hair pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze When I create Min Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly and has a light texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color. Fresh basil gives a fragrant touch and bright flavor. For flavor, I use garlic. It brings warmth to the dish. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness, while red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat. Adjust the flakes based on your spice preference. Garnishes can elevate your meal. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess. Lemon zest gives a fresh zing, and balsamic glaze offers a sweet contrast. Each garnish enhances the dish and makes it special. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 ounces of angel hair pasta. - Cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. - Set aside 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. - Drain the pasta and keep it warm in the pot. - Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic to the pan. - Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells good but does not brown. - Incorporate 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. - Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. - Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes soften. - Toss in the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet. - Gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until a light sauce forms. - Fold in 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze before serving. - To avoid overcooking, check the pasta at 4 minutes. - Angel hair cooks fast. You want it al dente, firm to the bite. - Always reserve some pasta water. It helps the sauce stick and adds flavor. - Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. - Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can boost the taste. - Try adding a pinch of oregano for a warm, earthy note. - Serve the pasta in warm bowls for a cozy look. - Garnish with fresh basil and lemon zest for color. - A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice shine and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the tomatoes and basil greatly affects the flavor of the dish. Opt for ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for the best results. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like extra heat. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To ensure the pasta is cooked perfectly, taste it a minute before the suggested cooking time on the package. It should be tender but still firm to the bite. Garnish for Presentation: A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of lemon zest not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish, making it look more enticing. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your Min Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken is a great option. It adds flavor and helps fill you up. Simply slice the chicken and toss it in with the pasta before serving. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Just sauté the shrimp in olive oil until it turns pink. Mix it in with the pasta for a seafood twist. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas. They are rich in protein and give a nice texture. Just add a can of drained chickpeas when you mix in the pasta. Adding vegetables can brighten the dish and boost nutrition. Spinach is a lovely choice. It wilts nicely when added to the hot pasta. Just toss in a handful right before serving for a fresh taste. Arugula also works well. It has a peppery bite that adds depth. You can mix it in at the end, just like spinach. Feel free to use other seasonal vegetables too. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can all add color and flavor. Just chop them up and sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free angel hair pasta. Many brands make great substitutes that cook up well. Look for brands like Banza or Barilla, which are popular choices. You can also try spiralized vegetables, such as zucchini noodles. They provide a fun twist and are low in carbs. Just sauté them briefly and mix with your sauce for a fresh take on the dish. To store leftover Min Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta, use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Place the pasta in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Leftovers stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. The best way to reheat pasta is on the stove. Add a splash of water or olive oil to a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta moist. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the pasta mushy. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For quick lunches, pack it with some extra cherry tomatoes and a side of basil. This makes a tasty and easy meal. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. You need 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. The angel hair pasta cooks quickly, usually in 4-5 minutes. Yes, you can prepare parts of the dish ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes, then mix everything right before serving. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. If you lack fresh basil, you can use dried basil. Use about one tablespoon of dried basil. You could also try parsley or oregano for a different taste. These herbs can give a nice flavor to your dish. Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegetarians. It contains no meat or animal products, making it a great choice for anyone who avoids meat. You can use different pasta types if you like. Spaghetti or fettuccine works well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Enjoy exploring new flavors! This blog post covered a simple and fresh recipe for Min Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta. We explored key ingredients, from angel hair pasta to cherry tomatoes and basil. I shared how to cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes. Remember to reserve your pasta water for the best texture. Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding proteins or vegetables. Store leftovers wisely, and enjoy this dish as an easy meal prep option. Enjoy every bite!

Min Tomato Basil Angel Hair Pasta

A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring angel hair pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional for garnishing
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Before draining, set aside 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander and keep it warm by tossing it back into the pot (off the heat).
  • In a sizable skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is aromatic but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
  • Incorporate the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to soften and develop a slight blister for texture and flavor.
  • Introduce the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, mixing until a light, glossy sauce forms that coats the pasta.
  • Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to ensure even distribution and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Transfer the pasta into warm serving bowls or onto a large platter. Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the pasta and, if desired, generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, garnish each dish with a few extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Keyword pasta, quick meal, vegetarian