Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse
Delicate angel hair pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic and basil oil, topped with a fresh cherry tomato concasse bursting with bright flavors. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs angel hair pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until just al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss with 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Toss and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep angel hair pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Basil and Garlic Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomato Concasse?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
