Capellini with Cherry Tomato Garlic Olive Oil and Basil

Capellini with Cherry Tomato Garlic Olive Oil and Basil is a fresh and flavorful dish that highlights simple yet vibrant ingredients. The delicate capellini pasta is perfectly complemented by a rich, aromatic sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil.

Tossed with grated Parmesan and seasoned with herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish delivers a delightful balance of taste and texture. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a light summer meal, it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Capellini with Cherry Tomato Garlic Olive Oil and Basil

Ingredients:

Kosher salt

1/2 cup good olive oil, plus extra for the pot

2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)

4 pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomoatoes

18 large basil leaves, julienned

2 tablespoons chopped fresh curly parsley

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 pound dried capellini or angel hair pasta

1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Water:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and a splash of olive oil to the boiling water.

Cook the Tomato Mixture:

In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Stir in the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, 2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften but remain intact.

Cook the Pasta:

While the tomatoes are cooking, add the capellini to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes or according to package instructions.

Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.

Combine and Serve:

Transfer the cooked pasta to a large serving bowl.

Mix in the tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together.

If the pasta seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.

Serve with additional chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Capellini with Cherry Tomato Garlic Olive Oil and Basil!

Notes:

Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. You can also add a splash of additional olive oil to the pot while boiling the pasta to prevent sticking.

Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. Watch it closely to prevent burning, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are best for this recipe due to their sweetness and firmness. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces to mimic the texture of cherry tomatoes.

Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, and thyme add vibrant flavors. For the best results, add the basil and parsley at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor and color.

Pasta Cooking Time: Capellini (or angel hair) cooks very quickly. Be sure to check it a minute or two before the package directions suggest, as it can go from perfectly al dente to overcooked quickly.

Pasta Water: Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. The starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

Serving: Serve the pasta immediately after combining with the sauce for the best texture. Garnish with additional chopped basil and Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Texture: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, cook the tomatoes until they’re just starting to break down. For a smoother sauce, cook them a bit longer.

Adjusting Spice: If you like more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Variations: Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute capellini with other types of pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil, though the flavor will be less vibrant.

Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of the fresh basil.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned cherry or grape tomatoes, or even diced tomatoes.

Drain any excess liquid and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Ensure that the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (i.e., made without animal rennet) if you are strict about dietary preferences.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time.

Store the sauce separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

What can I add to make this dish more filling?

Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

You can also incorporate vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it more substantial.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

While freezing is possible, the texture of the pasta may change.

If you plan to freeze, store the pasta and sauce separately.

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat thoroughly.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

You can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

For a dairy-free option, try a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To increase or decrease the spice level, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

You can also add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce to taste.