Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

For years, I chased the dream of the perfect, quick cherry tomato pasta. I envisioned a vibrant, flavorful sauce clinging perfectly to delicate angel hair, but reality was often a watery disappointment. Until now! This recipe unlocks the secret to a truly incredible angel hair pasta with burst cherry tomato sauce – one that’s bursting with fresh flavor and perfectly textured, never watery. Get ready to experience pasta perfection in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Angel Hair Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This isn’t just another pasta recipe; it’s a flavor revelation. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• Unbelievably Fast: From stovetop to table in less than 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil creates a symphony of taste.
• Never Watery Sauce: Our secret technique ensures a rich, concentrated sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a bright, fresh, and satisfying pasta experience. The star, of course, is the cherry tomato, and choosing the right kind is key. We’re going for a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, brought to life with fragrant garlic and fresh basil. A good quality Parmesan is also vital here. Let’s explore what we need:

• 1 pound angel hair pasta: Angel hair’s delicate strands are perfect for this light and flavorful sauce. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for a speedy meal.
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, mixed colors, halved: Opt for a mix of red, yellow, and even orange cherry tomatoes for a visual appeal and a complex sweetness. Halving them is crucial for the bursting process.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the oil with its pungent aroma, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. Freshly minced is always best.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. It’s the foundation of the sauce and carries the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes.
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce. It helps deglaze the pan and create a luscious consistency.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and umami-rich element to the sauce. Freshly grated is always preferable.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh basil provides a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes. Don’t skimp on the basil!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Use a generous pinch of salt in the pasta water and season the sauce to your liking.

Crafting Your Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce: Step-by-Step

Ready to create pasta magic? Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is all about a few key techniques that transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish. The most important thing to remember is patience – especially when searing the tomatoes. This step is the secret to preventing a watery sauce. Let’s get started!

1. Cook the angel hair pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and helps create a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning, as burnt garlic can become bitter. The goal is to infuse the oil with its aroma.
3. Sear the cherry tomatoes (the key step!): Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet in a single layer, cut-side down. This is crucial for achieving that “burst” and preventing a watery sauce. Let the tomatoes sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until they begin to blister and burst. Resist the urge to stir them too soon! The searing action caramelizes the tomatoes and concentrates their flavor.
4. Develop the sauce: Gently toss the tomatoes and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until they release their juices and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. You’ll see the tomatoes soften and their skins begin to wrinkle.
5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor! Simmer for 1 minute to allow the broth to meld with the tomato juices.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat, ensuring every strand is covered in the luscious sauce.
7. Emulsify and finish: Add Parmesan cheese and half of the fresh basil. Toss again, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. The pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a creamy texture. Start with a little at a time, adding more until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and the remaining fresh basil. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Tips for Perfect Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce Every Time

Want to take your cherry tomato pasta to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a larger batch, work in batches to ensure the tomatoes sear properly. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of sear.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Opt for fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and good quality olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Add a touch of sweetness: If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the sauce to balance the flavors.
• Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the tomatoes. You could also add some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. For a delicious and comforting side dish to compliment this pasta, consider trying our recipe for golden vegetable rice pilaf.

What to Serve With Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

This pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• A simple green salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to the rich tomato sauce.
• Garlic bread: Who can resist a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce?
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers, add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal. For a unique appetizer or side, consider whipping up a batch of creamy spiced potatoes.

Your Angel Hair Pasta Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?

While fresh cherry tomatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. However, the flavor and texture will be different. Be sure to drain the canned tomatoes well before adding them to the skillet, and you may need to simmer the sauce for a longer time to reduce the liquid.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. It is also possible to turn this into a sausage and bell pepper pasta by adding those ingredients!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the cooked pasta.

Can I freeze this recipe?

It’s not recommended to freeze the finished dish, as the pasta can become mushy. However, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the cooked pasta.

Enjoy Your Homemade Angel Hair Pasta!

There you have it – the perfect Angel Hair Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce! This recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to be amazed by the burst of fresh flavor in every bite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your pasta turned out! And if you loved it, be sure to share it with your friends and family!