The beauty of this Summer Garden Pasta lies in its simplicity—sweet cherry tomatoes marinate in garlicky olive oil alongside ribbons of basil to form a vibrant, no-cook sauce. All you need to do is toss in some hot angel hair pasta and shower it with Parmesan for a dish that celebrates summer’s peak produce. Whether you’re looking to highlight your garden’s bounty or impress guests with minimal effort, this Ina Garten-inspired pasta delivers. It’s equally suited for casual weeknight meals or al fresco dinner parties, bringing freshness and elegance to your table without turning on the stove for long. Serve it warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way.
Full recipe
Ingredients:
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4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
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20 large fresh basil leaves, julienned
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 pound angel hair pasta
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1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large bowl. Stir gently to combine.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 4 hours to marinate. The flavors will meld and intensify.
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After 4 hours, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 2–4 minutes) until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the bowl with the tomato mixture.
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Add the Parmesan cheese and toss well to combine everything while the pasta is still hot.
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Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra basil and cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes marination)
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Background of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta
Ina Garten, beloved as the Barefoot Contessa, is known for her no-fuss, elevated comfort food—and this Summer Garden Pasta is a perfect example. Inspired by the bounty of the garden and the relaxed pace of warm-weather cooking, this recipe was originally shared as part of her summer entertaining repertoire. It’s a seasonal staple that exemplifies the art of letting simple, fresh ingredients shine. The dish doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or complicated techniques; instead, it’s built around ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, quality olive oil, and angel hair pasta—a combination that’s both rustic and refined.
This recipe is also reflective of Mediterranean cooking principles: minimal ingredients, seasonal freshness, and the use of olive oil as a healthy fat. It captures the essence of summer dining—light, bright, and satisfying.
Health Benefits of Summer Garden Pasta
This pasta dish is not just delicious—it’s good for you, too. Cherry tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Basil adds more than just flavor; it’s also packed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Garlic, another key ingredient, is known to support immune health and reduce cholesterol levels.
Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, offering monounsaturated fats that support heart health and brain function. And when you choose whole-grain or gluten-free angel hair pasta, you boost the fiber and nutrient content even more. Best of all, this meal is vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable for those with specific dietary preferences.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This dish is a masterclass in balance and timing. Letting the cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper marinate in olive oil for four hours at room temperature is the game-changing step. During this time, the tomatoes release their juices, the garlic mellows, and the basil infuses the oil—creating a deeply flavorful, aromatic sauce with zero cooking required.
Then, by tossing hot angel hair pasta directly into the marinated tomato mixture, the residual heat gently warms the ingredients, melding everything together into a luscious sauce. It’s an example of cold-meets-hot cooking that transforms fresh ingredients without overcomplicating the process. And since angel hair pasta cooks in just a few minutes, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy summer evenings.
Perfect for Seasonal Eating
This recipe truly celebrates seasonal produce. Summer is when cherry tomatoes are at their peak—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. If you grow your own or buy from a local farmers’ market, you’ll notice a huge difference in taste compared to off-season varieties. Basil also thrives in summer gardens, making it the perfect herb to pair with tomatoes in both flavor and seasonality.
Eating seasonally means fresher ingredients, better taste, and more nutritional value. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly—reducing the need for long-distance transportation of out-of-season produce.
A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
One of the biggest advantages of this Summer Garden Pasta is how easily it scales. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a dinner party, the recipe doubles or triples effortlessly. It also travels well, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. Serve it warm, room temperature, or even slightly chilled—it holds up beautifully in any form.
You can also customize it to suit your tastes or pantry staples. Want a little protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Craving extra vegetables? Toss in some sautéed zucchini, roasted red peppers, or arugula. Prefer a bit of zing? A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can add a refreshing tang. It’s a forgiving recipe that encourages creativity.
Time-Saving and Meal Prep Friendly
Though it requires four hours of marination, the hands-on time for this recipe is minimal. You can prep the tomato mixture in the morning or even the night before, letting it sit while you go about your day. Then all that’s left is boiling the pasta and tossing everything together. This hands-off approach is a huge benefit for busy home cooks or anyone wanting a break from intense cooking sessions.
It’s also great for meal prep. The flavors continue to develop in the fridge, and leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a tasty, nutritious meal ready to go.
Tips for Making the Best Summer Garden Pasta
- Use high-quality olive oil: Because the oil is a major flavor component, using extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Choose sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes: The fresher the tomatoes, the sweeter and juicier the final result will be.
- Don’t skimp on the basil: Fresh basil is essential to achieving the signature flavor. Don’t substitute dried—it simply won’t taste the same.
- Grate your own Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture and meltability. Freshly grated Parm is creamier and more flavorful.
- Serve immediately: While leftovers are delicious, the texture and flavor are at their peak when freshly tossed with the hot pasta.
A Dish That Encourages Slower Living
In a culture that’s always rushing, this recipe invites a slower, more intentional approach to food. It encourages you to plan ahead just enough to let time do the heavy lifting. There’s something comforting about knowing that with just a few steps and a bit of waiting, you can create something extraordinary from humble ingredients. It reminds us that sometimes, less really is more.
This philosophy is what makes Ina Garten’s recipes so enduring. She strips away the unnecessary and elevates what’s already good—using quality ingredients, smart timing, and a touch of culinary magic. Summer Garden Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment to savor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that celebrates the essence of summer, this is it. Fresh, healthy, and full of vibrant flavor, Summer Garden Pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent while being incredibly simple and wholesome. Whether you’re entertaining or just trying to make a weeknight meal feel special, this dish delivers every single time. It’s no surprise that this has become a fan favorite among Ina Garten enthusiasts. With its beautiful presentation, balanced flavors, and ease of preparation, it checks all the boxes. Add this one to your seasonal rotation—you’ll find yourself craving it all summer long.