Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Pasta: Summer In A Bowl

This time of year I'm always looking for healthy and satisfying meals that won't heat up my kitchen during these hot and humid summer days.

This dish does just that. It's made up of simple and minimal ingredients providing your family with a healthy meal to enjoy. It's a great dish to make with your garden fresh tomatoes and basil as soon as you notice they're ripe.

Not only is it healthy, but it's also extremely convenient.  It requires minimal time to prepare and very little work on the stove-top. Only a few minutes to prep and your ingredients do the work for you. It doesn't get better than that.

A few simple and basic steps and you can enjoy this garden fresh summer night meal in your own home!

Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Pasta
Serves: 6-8
Adapted From Barefoot Contessa
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating time)
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes

Ingredients
2 pints grape tomatoes or 4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 box angel hair pasta
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions
Combine your tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine and set your bowl aside to sit at room temperature for 4 hours.

After the 4 hours have passed, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Add your pasta and Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss to coat. Serve with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.