This bright and colorful Summer Garden Pasta is packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. The best part? It’s quick and perfect for warm days!
I love how this dish makes me feel like I’m enjoying a picnic right in my kitchen. Toss it all together, and you have a tasty meal that brings summer vibes anytime! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: I love using thin spaghetti for this dish as it holds the sauce well. You can swap it with other types like linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes really bring brightness to the pasta. If you’re short on time, sun-dried tomatoes are a great substitute—just chop them up into smaller bits!
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a wonderful fragrance. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works too, but use less since it’s more concentrated. Just about a teaspoon should do!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances flavor, but Pecorino Romano would be a good substitute if you want something sharper. Nutritional yeast could also offer a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for taste. If you need a quick fix, garlic powder can work too, but start with less since it’s more potent.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm to the bite, which is critical for texture in your dish. Here are steps to help you achieve that perfect pasta:
- Always salt your boiling water. It enhances the flavor of the pasta!
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking about a minute before the time is up.
- To check, bite into a noodle; it should be firm but not raw.
- Once done, drain immediately to prevent further cooking, but don’t rinse! You want the starch to help sauce cling to the pasta.
How to Make Summer Garden Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or thin pasta
For The Fresh Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Summer Garden Pasta can be ready in about 20 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 10 minutes preparing the fresh sauce—quick and simple for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti (or your choice of thin pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Fresh Sauce:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a bit of heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together, making sure the tomatoes are well coated in the mixture.
3. Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add your drained spaghetti to the bowl with the fresh tomato mixture. Toss it gently so that the pasta gets well-coated with the olive oil and the tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout.
4. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:
Next, stir in the fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything gently to combine without smashing the beautiful tomatoes—you want to keep them intact for that fresh flavor!
5. Taste and Season:
Before serving, give your pasta a taste. If you think it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your delicious Summer Garden Pasta right away! You can garnish it with extra basil and Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re reheating, do so in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to help restore the moisture!
Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You could also add more veggies or even a protein like chickpeas for added heartiness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the dish’s color and nutrition. Just make sure they are pre-cooked and added in after you toss the pasta with the tomato mixture for best results.
