Name: Simple Angel Hair Pasta With Cherry Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz angel hair pasta; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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I love simple angel hair pasta with cherry tomato sauce because it’s light, fresh, and full of bright flavor. I enjoy how the delicate pasta pairs perfectly with juicy cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, creating a meal that feels effortless yet satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick, uncomplicated, and made with ingredients I usually already have. I enjoy how fast angel hair pasta cooks, making this perfect for busy days. I also appreciate how the fresh tomato sauce feels light but still comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

angel hair pasta
cherry tomatoes
olive oil
garlic
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes
fresh basil
grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the angel hair pasta until just al dente. I reserve a little pasta water, then drain the pasta.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I add sliced garlic and cook it gently until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. I add the cherry tomatoes and cook them until they soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices.

I season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. I add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. I finish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 15 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein. I like stirring in a spoonful of butter for richness or adding olives or capers for a briny touch. When I want extra freshness, I finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

I can, but I prefer cherry tomatoes because they give a fresher flavor and better texture.

Why does angel hair pasta cook so quickly?

I find angel hair is very thin, so it cooks much faster than most pasta shapes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

I make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based alternative.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

I keep the heat moderate and add the tomatoes quickly so the garlic cooks gently.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I like serving it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

I enjoy simple angel hair pasta with cherry tomato sauce because it’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor. I love how such basic ingredients come together into a light, comforting dish that I can make anytime I want something easy and satisfying.