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A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring delicate angel hair tossed in a simple, vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This classic Italian-American meal comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the pasta water.
While the water is heating, prepare the sauce. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing some tomatoes with a spoon to help create a cohesive sauce.
Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically only 2-3 minutes. This pasta cooks very quickly.
Just before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta well.
Immediately transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add the fresh basil and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce emulsifies and clings beautifully to the pasta strands. If it seems dry, add another splash of pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
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A light and refreshing pasta dish featuring delicate angel hair tossed in a simple, vibrant sauce of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This classic Italian-American meal comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
This italian_american recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 609.78 calories per serving with 20.43g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Add grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the pasta when tossing with the sauce for a more substantial meal.
Sauté sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or add a few handfuls of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the very end, just before serving.
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, or add a finely chopped fresh chili pepper with the garlic for extra heat.
The use of extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health. Additionally, fresh tomatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that becomes more bioavailable when cooked. Garlic and basil also contribute antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its immune-boosting and antibacterial properties, helping to support the body's natural defenses against illness.
Each serving contains approximately 590-620 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the type of olive oil and the amount of cheese.
Yes, this can be a very healthy dish. It is rich in lycopene from cooked tomatoes, healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, and beneficial compounds from garlic. For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and be mindful of the portion size and amount of cheese.
Absolutely. A 28-ounce (794g) can of high-quality crushed or diced tomatoes, like San Marzano, is an excellent substitute, especially when fresh tomatoes are not in season. Drain any excess liquid before using.
Yes, this recipe is easily adapted for a gluten-free diet. Simply substitute the angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it can differ from traditional pasta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the pasta texture rubbery.