Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A light and elegant pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Sweet cherry tomatoes burst into a simple, fragrant sauce with garlic and fresh basil, clinging perfectly to delicate angel hair pasta. It’s the quintessential weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt).
- c.Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, which is typically very fast, about 2-3 minutes. Follow package instructions but be careful not to overcook.
- d.Before draining, use a mug or heatproof measuring cup to reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.While the pasta water is coming to a boil, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown or it will become bitter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Tomato Sauce
- b.Immediately add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper.
- c.Stir to coat, then increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices to form a sauce.
- d.Use the back of your spoon to gently press some of the tomatoes to help them break down further.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Pasta and Sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- c.Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the torn fresh basil leaves.
- d.Toss everything together gently for 1-2 minutes. The starch in the pasta water will help emulsify the oil and tomato juices, creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and toss until it has melted into the sauce.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't walk away from the pot when cooking angel hair pasta; it cooks in just a couple of minutes and can easily become mushy.
- 2Use the best quality ingredients you can find, especially the olive oil and tomatoes, as they are the stars of the dish.
- 3Reserving pasta water is non-negotiable! It's the key to a restaurant-quality sauce that isn't watery or oily.
- 4For a brighter flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) to the pan after the garlic cooks and let it reduce for a minute before adding the tomatoes.
- 5Tear basil leaves with your hands instead of chopping with a knife to prevent the edges from bruising and turning black.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Sauté 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp with the garlic until pink, then remove and add back in at the end. Alternatively, add grilled chicken strips.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end, or add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese along with the Parmesan for a richer, creamier sauce.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a high-quality vegan Parmesan and a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help support cardiovascular health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in pasta provide a steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Immunity Support
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the exact amount of olive oil and cheese used.