Angel Hair pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

By tpriddy_1

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup good olive oil, plus extra for the pot
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
• 2 pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes sliced in half lengthwise
• 18 large basil leaves, julienned
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 pound dried angel hair pasta
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan, for serving

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt and a splash of oil to the pot.

Meanwhile, heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan. Add the garlic to the oil and cook over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, 2 teaspoons salt, the pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften but don't break up.

While the tomatoes are cooking, add the angel hair pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.

Place the pasta in a large serving bowl, add the tomatoes and Parmesan and toss well. Add some of the pasta water if the pasta seems too dry. Serve large bowls of pasta with extra basil sprinkled on top and a big bowl of extra Parmesan on the side.

I also like to top the pasta with some sliced grilled chicken.