This Easy Summer Garden Pasta is a colorful dish filled with fresh veggies like zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s light and perfect for warm days!
You can whip it up in no time, making it a great choice for busy evenings. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because cheese makes everything better, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used spaghetti for a classic feel, but angel hair is a great choice too! If you’re gluten-free or looking for lighter options, try zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta – they work well with this dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness of cherry tomatoes really shines here. If you don’t have them, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Fresh Basil: Basil gives it a fresh taste! If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works as a substitute—just use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without the milk!
How do I effectively toss pasta with sauce and ingredients?
Mixing pasta with the sauce can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your pasta is hot when you add it to the mixture. This helps meld the flavors together better!
- Use tongs to toss everything gently; lift and turn the pasta rather than stirring too hard to avoid breaking it.
- If the mixture looks dry, add in your reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a more cohesive sauce.
With these steps, your pasta should be perfectly coated and delicious every time!
Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Basil: 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- Cheese: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Spices: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delightful pasta dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! In just 10 minutes, you can have your pasta cooking while you prepare the delicious sauce and veggies. A quick and easy meal for busy summer nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt—this gives flavor to the pasta. Bring the water to a boil, then add your spaghetti or angel hair. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While your pasta is boiling, take a large mixing bowl. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the tomatoes are nicely coated with the olive oil and spices. This mixture will create a lovely fresh sauce!
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now that your pasta is ready, it’s time to combine it with the sauce. Add the hot pasta into the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together gently. If the pasta looks a bit dry, add in your reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta and toss gently to mix it in. The cheese will add a wonderful richness. Feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover!
5. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, garnish your dish with whole fresh basil leaves and some extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve your Easy Summer Garden Pasta immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the fresh tastes of summer!
FAQ for Easy Summer Garden Pasta
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or angel hair works great, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used instead—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you could try fresh parsley or arugula for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or water to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! This dish is already vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or substituting it with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
