This Easy Summer Garden Vegetable Pasta is a bright and colorful dish loaded with fresh veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for warm weather!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, sauté the veggies, and mix it all together. It’s great for meals with friends or a cozy night in, and you can even add cheese or herbs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using angel hair or spaghetti, as they soak up the sauce nicely. If you prefer, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works great.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and color! If you’re out of cherries, substitute with diced regular tomatoes or use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor. You can replace it with avocado oil or even a butter blend if you prefer a different taste.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely fragrance. If you can’t find it, try parsley or even spinach as an alternative, though the flavor will differ a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan is fantastic, feel free to use Pecorino Romano or Nutritional Yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Right Flavor When Sautéing Garlic?
Sautéing garlic can be tricky; too long, and it burns! Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Heat your oil on medium heat, just until it shimmers.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stop before it turns golden!
- If your garlic starts to brown, lower the heat immediately and add your tomatoes to prevent burning.
This step gives a delicious flavor base without the bitter taste of burnt garlic.
Easy Summer Garden Vegetable Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta or spaghetti
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook! Just enough time to enjoy a refreshing meal during a warm summer day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your angel hair pasta or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a little bite to it). Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the veggies.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it brown. This step is key for a nice flavor base!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still hold their shape.
4. Combine Everything:
Remove the skillet from heat and toss in the cooked pasta, chopped basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to combine well and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Adjust as needed!
5. Serve:
Transfer the pasta to a beautiful serving bowl. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves on top for garnish. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for a little extra zing!
6. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, light dish with family or friends! Perfect for those warm summer nights.
This fresh and easy pasta highlights sweet summer tomatoes and fragrant basil with a simple garlic olive oil base—ideal for a delightful meal!
FAQ for Easy Summer Garden Vegetable Pasta
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Otherwise, Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute if you prefer a different cheese.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. If it seems dry, you can add a little water or broth to help it moisten again.
Can I Make This Pasta in Advance?
Yes, you can make this pasta ahead of time! Just cook everything, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil for a quick meal.
