This Summer Garden Pasta is a bright and cheerful dish packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. It’s light and perfect for warm days!
Imagine twirling these colorful noodles around your fork—it’s like a garden party on your plate! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra yum. 🍅🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: While classic spaghetti works great, feel free to swap in other pasta like penne or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta is also a good option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Cherry tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but if unavailable, you can use regular tomatoes diced into chunks. Canned tomatoes can work in a pinch for a different texture.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a lot of flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried basil can work as well (use less, about 1 teaspoon). Some people like using parsley or arugula as substitutes for a different twist.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick, but you can use pecorino cheese for a stronger flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Extra virgin olive oil: This boosts the dish’s richness. If you don’t have it, you can use regular olive oil or avocado oil, though the flavor might change slightly.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta?
Cooking pasta to just the right doneness is crucial. To avoid overcooked spaghetti, watch the cooking time closely. Here’s how to get it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time and test a minute or two before the time is up. You’re looking for it to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
- Once done, drain the spaghetti right away and don’t rinse it, as this helps the sauce stick better.
How to Make Summer Garden Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Summer Garden Pasta takes about 20 minutes in total! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare all the ingredients and another 10 for cooking the pasta and mixing everything together. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato and Herb Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped basil. These fresh ingredients will add a burst of flavor to your pasta!
3. Add Olive Oil and Season:
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the tomato and basil mixture. Gently mix everything together. Now, season the mixture with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For an extra flavor boost, you can add balsamic vinegar at this stage—totally up to you!
4. Combine with Pasta:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the tomato and herb mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well coated with the delicious mixture!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Summer Garden Pasta is almost ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature. Don’t forget to garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and some extra basil leaves if you want to make it look extra special. Enjoy your delightful summer meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types can vary significantly. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized veggies like zucchini can make delicious alternatives!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No worries! You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil; use about one teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh called for in the recipe. Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried basil will still add a lovely taste to your pasta.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a little water to the pasta in a skillet over low heat, which will help prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Certainly! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition. Grilled chicken or shrimp can also be added for a protein boost. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly!
