This Easy Summer Garden Pasta is a colorful dish that’s as bright as a sunny day! Packed with fresh veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, it’s light and tasty.
I love tossing everything together with a sprinkle of herbs and a dash of olive oil. It’s perfect for a quick meal and makes me feel like I’m enjoying summer, even indoors! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I prefer spaghetti for its classic texture, but you can use angel hair, penne, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too, just adjust cooking times as needed.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes are perfect for this dish. You can substitute them with grape tomatoes, or even diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. If fresh basil isn’t available, try parsley or oregano instead, although the flavor will be different. Dried herbs can work in a pinch too, just use less.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives a nice salty flavor. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good substitutes if you’re out of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is a great plant-based option for a cheesy taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Isn’t Sticky?
To keep your pasta from sticking together, follow these steps:
- Make sure your water is boiling vigorously before adding the pasta.
- Add plenty of salt to the water; it should taste a bit like the ocean. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Stir the pasta a few times during the first couple of minutes of cooking to prevent it from clumping.
- Once cooked, drain it immediately and avoid rinsing, as that washes away the starch that helps sauces stick.
Easy Summer Garden Pasta with Fresh Veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- For the Veggies:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish takes around 20 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and cooking the pasta, and another 10 minutes to mix everything together. Perfect for a quick and flavorful summer 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 chosen pasta) and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This water can help make your sauce creamy!
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick!), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a little stir to combine those flavors.
3. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
When the pasta is done and drained, add it to the mixing bowl with the tomato mixture while it’s still warm. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta mixes well with the tomatoes and garlic.
4. Add Olive Oil and Cheese:
Next, pour in the olive oil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently. If the pasta seems a little dry, you can add some of that reserved pasta water a bit at a time until you achieve a creamy, delicious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
5. Finish with Fresh Basil:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh basil leaves. Fold them in gently, and taste your pasta. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you need to season it to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your lovely summer garden pasta is ready to serve! Dish it out immediately, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top if desired. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer!
This simple, fresh pasta lets natural summer garden flavors shine bright!
FAQ for Easy Summer Garden Pasta with Fresh Veggies
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them briefly before adding to the pasta for a fresh twist!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
Fresh basil really shines in this dish, but if you don’t have any, you can use dried basil (use about 1 tsp) or substitute with fresh parsley or oregano for a different flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to help revive the dish.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Most gluten-free varieties work well and will still give you that satisfying texture!
