Garlic and Herb Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
It doesn't get easier than this easy Angel Hair Pasta Recipe with Garlic and Herbs. Made with a light sauce of olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and parsley, then topped with fresh parmigiano and sweet cherry tomatoes, this 20-minute pasta dish is sure to be a new family favorite.
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced (add more if you like)
- Kosher salt for pasta water
- 1 box angel hair pasta or capellini pasta
- Reserved pasta water
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated parmigiano cheese plus more for serving
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, diced about 2 ½ cups
- Pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan or large skillet to medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic. Let them get fragrant for 1 minute in the oil. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside.
- Cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water. Boil pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Stir pasta with pasta utensil.
- Add reserved pasta water to the pan with olive oil and garlic. Turn heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and stir vigorously with a whisk.
- Lastly, drain the pasta and add it to the pan. Turn the heat off and stir until the sauce coats the pasta. Stir in fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley. Add parmigiano and toss a couple of times.
- Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes over the top. Add extra parmigiano cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- Al dente pasta: Always cook pasta al dente, then toss it in the sauce directly in the pan. This brings out the authentic Italian flavor and texture.
- Whisk well: Whisk the olive oil and hot pasta water vigorously as it simmers to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to every strand.
- Choose the right cheese: Always use real Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated. It melts beautifully into the sauce without clumping.
- Store properly: Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Change it up: This dish is great on its own but you can also add some lemon juice, red chili flakes, for a bit of heat, or make it creamy with a half cup of heavy cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 615kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 924IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 3mg
