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4.35 from 58 votes

Tomato and Basil Pasta

This cherry tomato and basil angel comes together in under 20 minutes, making for a a delicious and super easy meal for your family!
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: 100 Family Favorite Easy Healthy Recipes
Keyword: angel hair, basil, parmesan, pasta, quick and easy, quick dinners, quick pasta, tomato basil pasta, vegetarian
Servings: 4
Author: Carrian Cheney

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Pound Angel Hair Pasta
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 5 Large Garlic Cloves thinly sliced
  • 2 Pounds Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Basil loosely packed, roughly chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt plus more for seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Parmesan plus more for garnish, see note
  • 1/2 Lemon
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  • Add in a good handful of salt. Add pasta. Cook al dente or until pasta is slightly undercooked.
    1/2 Pound Angel Hair Pasta
  • Using tongs remove pasta from water into a colander. Reserve cooking liquid.
  • While pasta is cooking, add garlic and olive oil to a very large skillet and stir to keep from sticking.
    5 Large Garlic Cloves, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Turn the medium heat and cook until garlic becomes soft, about two minutes.
  • Turn the heat to a medium-high and add tomatoes and salt to the pan. Cook two minutes.
    2 Pounds Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, 3/4 teaspoon Salt
  • Add 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid leftover from pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for five minutes — the tomatoes should be starting to burst. If they haven’t gently push on them using the back of a wooden spoon. You only want about half to burst.
  • Add pasta, cook another two minutes.
  • Turn the heat off, add basil and parmesan cheese.
    1 Cup Basil, 1/2 Cup Granulated Parmesan
  • Toss to coat.
  • If needed add more starchy pasta water.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
    1/2 Lemon
  • Serve with extra grated parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, skip the pre-grated Parmesan. Instead, pulse a chunk of Parmesan in a blender or food processor until finely ground. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 684mg | Potassium: 678mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1534IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 3mg