Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato and Basil
A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring delicate angel hair tossed in a simple, vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This classic Italian-American meal comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the pasta water.
- 2
While the water is heating, prepare the sauce
- a.Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to the skillet
- a.Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing some tomatoes with a spoon to help create a cohesive sauce.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically only 2-3 minutes. This pasta cooks very quickly.
- 5
Just before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water
- a.Drain the pasta well.
- 6
Immediately transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce
- a.Add the fresh basil and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce emulsifies and clings beautifully to the pasta strands. If it seems dry, add another splash of pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- 8
Remove from heat and serve immediately
- a.Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes are ideal as they are the star of the sauce.
- 2Do not overcook the angel hair pasta. It goes from al dente to mushy in seconds. It's better to slightly undercook it as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- 3The starchy pasta water is liquid gold. It helps the olive oil and tomato juices bind together to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 4Add the fresh basil at the very end to preserve its vibrant color and fresh, aromatic flavor.
- 5For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of unsalted butter along with the pasta water in the final step.
- 6For a burst of sweetness, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, instead of Roma tomatoes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the pasta when tossing with the sauce for a more substantial meal.
Vegetable GardenVegetable Garden
Sauté sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
Creamy TomatoCreamy Tomato
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end, just before serving.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper with the garlic for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health. Additionally, fresh tomatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked. Garlic and basil also contribute antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Supports Immunity
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting and antibacterial properties, helping to support the body's natural defenses against illness.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving contains approximately 590-620 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the type of olive oil and the amount of cheese.