Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Delicate angel hair pasta tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light garlic-infused olive oil sauce. This vibrant summer pasta comes together in 20 minutes and bursts with sweet-tangy tomato flavor in every twirl.
For 4 servings
- prep
Bring salted pasta water to a boil.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the salt for the pasta water.
TIPSalt the water generously — it's the only chance to season the pasta itself. - boil · ~4 min
Cook the angel hair pasta until al dente.
Add angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 3-5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
TIPAngel hair cooks fast — set a timer and check a minute early to avoid mushiness. - saute · ~2 min
Sauté garlic in olive oil.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 1-2 minutes. Do not let it brown.
TIPWatch the garlic closely — burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the dish. - saute · ~6 min
Blister the cherry tomatoes.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cut side down. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then toss. Cook until the tomatoes soften, release their juices, and the skins begin to wrinkle, about 5-6 minutes total. Season with salt and black pepper.
TIPLetting the tomatoes sit cut-side down without moving gives them that delicious blistered char. - mix · ~2 min
Toss pasta with the tomato sauce.
Add the drained angel hair pasta directly into the skillet with the blistered tomatoes. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss everything together using tongs until the pasta is well coated and the sauce clings to each strand, adding more pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce.
TIPThe starchy pasta water is liquid gold — it emulsifies with the oil to create a glossy sauce that coats every strand. - garnish
Finish with fresh basil and serve.
Remove from heat and scatter the torn basil leaves over the pasta. Toss gently once more. Divide among bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always salt your pasta water until it tastes like the sea—this seasons the angel hair from within.
- 2Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining; the starch helps emulsify the sauce.
- 3Cook angel hair a full minute less than the package says for al dente, as it continues cooking in the hot pan.
- 4Slice garlic paper-thin so it infuses the oil without burning before the tomatoes go in.
- 5Toast the cherry tomatoes cut-side down without stirring for at least 2 minutes to develop sweet, blistered flavor.
- 6Toss the pasta in the skillet with a splash of pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce—never a watery one.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein boost
Add 200g of small cooked shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken when you toss the pasta for a more filling weeknight meal.
veganVegan
Skip the parmesan and finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dollop of cashew cream for a dairy-free savory finish.
spicy arrabbiata twistSpicy arrabbiata twist
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle heat that balances the sweet tomatoes.
extra greensExtra greens
Toss in 2 large handfuls of baby spinach when adding the pasta water—its wilts into the sauce for a subtle earthy note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cherry tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked in olive oil.
Heart-Healthy Olive Oil
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health when used in place of butter or cream.
Fresh Herbs Without Salt
Fresh basil adds bright, aromatic flavor with zero sodium, making it easy to reduce added salt without sacrificing taste.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but increase cooking time to 8-10 minutes and use a bit more pasta water—angel hair's thinness is what makes this dish so quick.
