Pasta With Fresh Tomatoes & Basil

A white plate topped with pasta covered in sauce.

Fresh Basil and Tomatoes over Angel Hair

NOTE:  This dish is so delightful in the summer when fresh basil and fresh tomatoes are available.  It only takes the time to boil the pasta, and everything else just falls into place. It is so good, one could easily become addicted. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound angel hair or vermicelli
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and quartered small
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, torn small
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive for garnish as desired
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: Serves 6
Rating:
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 1.00 out of 5)
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Instructions:

  1.  Place tomatoes in large pasta bowl and add the olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes; toss together well and set aside.
  2. Boil pasta in an 8-quart pot of boiling water with salt added.  Add the angel hair and boil 3 to 4 minutes; do not over cook.  Pasta should be al dente.  Using a spaghetti spoon, lift the pasta right out of the water and put it into the pasta bowl with tomato/basil sauce; add the 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.  Toss together well and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  Garnish with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Reserve extra pasta water to freshen pasta as needed.  Serves 6.