Before summer cometh to a close, I hope you make this pasta. It is so simple and delicious. The tomatoes, the basil. The balsamic. Golly pete it’s delicious…the key is letting the tomatoes marinate and soften. Ina Garten taught me that and she’s the queen so we trust her wholeheartedly.
This recipe was originally for a lentil pasta, but I have got to say thin spaghetti or angel hair is the way to go. It’s so light and vibrant and the perfect meatless summertime meal. The leftovers also taste delicious cold.
Serves: 4-6
(PREP EARLIER IN THE DAY):
*The reason you want to give the tomatoes plenty of time to sit in the oil and balsamic is that over time the acid will soften the tomatoes and they will actually get juicier (thanks, Ina!). They are truly bursting with flavor! I like to give mine at least 2 hours to whenever I can.
(WHEN IT’S TIME TO EAT):
1 box pasta (thin spaghetti or angel hair)
3 c cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 c olive oil
1/2 c balsamic vinegar
3 cloves minced garlic (I prefer to use cubed garlic)
1 tsp salt
½ teaspoon pepper
approx. 10 basil leaves, julienned
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Mom to four wonderful little people. While they sleep, I cook.