Fast & Fresh: Cherry Tomato, Basil, Pine Nut & Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta

In the summer I love to make super simple dinners for my family – my days are usually very full with work, outdoor chores, and endless walks for our two rescue pups. I’ve been perfecting this recipe and I am thrilled to share it with all of you. Serves 4.

Note: Double or triple the recipe for an easy dinner party dish and serve with garlic parmesan bread and a large Caesar salad.

Ingredients:

2 cups of quartered cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons of garlic olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & Pepper
1/2 lb of angel hair pasta
1/4 cup of reserved pasta water
Fresh basil
Pine nuts
Parmesan, grated or shaved
Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion – this is worth finding, it makes the dish! If you can’t get it then use red chili flakes instead. Or omit if you don’t like spicy food.

Step One: Start your pot of boiling water for the angel hair pasta. While it comes to a boil, clean and quarter your cherry tomatoes.

Step Two: In a small frying pan on medium heat add the garlic olive oil and three cloves of minced garlic – sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes with a little salt and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step Three: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until your noodles are soft. Before draining take 1/4 cup out for later use. Drain the pasta and put it in a large bowl.

Step Four: Add the reserved pasta water into the large bowl with the pasta and mix well – then add in the cherry tomato mixture. Stir to combine.

Step Five: Dish up individual bowls of the pasta – top with fresh parmesan, torn basil, pine nuts, and the crunchy chili onion. Enjoy immediately.