Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—freezing isn’t recommended, as angel hair pasta tends to lose its texture.
Angel Hair Pasta
Servings: people
This angel hair pasta with cherry tomatoes is a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal you can make in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, basil, and parmesan, it’s a light and satisfying dish that delivers big Mediterranean flavor without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or whenever you want a comforting pasta that feels homemade and effortless.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces angel hair pasta or capellini
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic grated or pressed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 twists black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese + more to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, halve 2 pounds cherry tomatoes
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Cook the pasta: Once the water boils, salt it well and cook 10 ounces angel hair pasta 2 minutes less than the package says.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain. Add pasta to the skillet with ½ cup of the reserved water and 1 handful fresh basil leaves. Toss and cook 1–2 minutes more until al dente and coated in sauce. Add more water if needed.
- Finish and serve: Turn off heat, stir in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and mix until melted. Serve topped with extra basil, olive oil, and more parmesan.
Notes
Substitutions
- Angel Hair: Use capellini, thin spaghetti, or linguine.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Swap with grape tomatoes or chopped Roma.
- Olive Oil: Sub with avocado oil or butter for a richer flavor.
- Garlic: Try roasted garlic or garlic confit for a mellow twist.
- Salt & Pepper: Sea salt and cracked white pepper both work.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional—use Calabrian chili paste or cayenne for more heat.
- Fresh Basil: No basil? Use parsley, arugula, or a pinch of oregano.
- Parmesan: Sub with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (dairy-free).
- Use ripe tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes = maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook angel hair: 2–3 minutes is all it needs—finish it in the sauce.
- Salt your pasta water like the sea: It’s the only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Save that pasta water: It makes the sauce silky without butter or cream.
- Grate the garlic: More flavor, no chunks.
- Add basil last: Tear it in fresh for bold aroma and color.
- Upgrade it: Add shrimp, chicken, or beans to make it a full meal.
- Go for good olive oil: Simple recipes need quality ingredients.
- Top with burrata: Optional, but it makes it feel next-level.
