An Effortless Summer Dinner
Looking for a way to use up garden veggies? I have the tastiest solution for you! This recipe is super easy and perfect for using up fresh produce (especially cherry tomatoes!). It comes together quickly on the stove and is ideal for hot summer nights when you’re craving pasta but don’t want to feel weighed down after eating. You’ll love how the cherry tomato sauce has a light texture and bright flavor. It’s not at all like a heavy marinara sauce; instead, it’s a thin and sheer olive oil-based sauce that’s extremely fresh and bursting with Italian-inspired ingredients. Serve it up with some crusty bread, bruschetta, or breadsticks and a salad for a vibrant and satisfying summer dinner!
You’ll love this summer pasta because it’s:
Filling, but not heavy or rich. Great for using up summer garden veggies like cherry tomatoes, sweet onions, and basil! Quick; it comes together in under an hour. Easily customized for any diet; top with your choice of meat, use a gluten-free pasta, substitute vegan cheese, etc.
What You Need
This summer pasta is so simple, yet the flavors are incredibly vibrant. Here are the key ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes. If you have tomatoes growing in your own garden or can find some locally at a farmer’s market–use them! These will have the best flavor compared to grocery store tomatoes. Other varieties will work, but cherry tomatoes are really the best choice for their thin skin and sweet, juicy interiors. Fresh basil. Fresh basil adds a slightly sweet and peppery flavor. It’s an absolute must for this dish and helps to make it a true summer pasta! Extra virgin olive oil. I really recommend splurging for extra virgin olive oil for this recipe; it adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the pasta. Sugar. I like to add a pinch (ok more than a pinch) of sugar to neutralize any acidity from the tomatoes and enhance the flavors of the dish even more. You can always leave it out though!
SAM’S TIP: Remember to save your pasta water! The starches from the pasta tie everything together to create a silky, light sauce. Plain water just won’t work the same. Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Easy Summer Pasta
SAM’S TIP: I like to add some additional fresh basil leaves on top for a pretty appearance, since the basil stirred into the dish wilts. This is totally optional, but it does look nice when serving! If your summer garden also includes zucchini, give my zucchini bread a try! Enjoy! Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
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