Angel Hair Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce
Angel hair pasta topped with a vibrant fresh tomato sauce and broiled onions, offering a light, flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely slivered ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups diced canned tomatoes ⓘ
- pinch nutmeg ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pinch of sugar ⓘ
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley or 4 tablespoons fresh chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups peeled sliced slivered onions ⓘ
- 1/4 pound angel hair pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 1/4 cup olive oil over low heat in a saucepan.
- Add garlic and cook until softened, not browned.
- Add fresh plum tomatoes, canned tomatoes, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook uncovered over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add parsley to the sauce and keep warm.
- Line a cookie sheet with foil and spread sliced onions. Toss with 1/4 cup olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Place the onions about 3 to 4 inches from the preheated broiler and cook until wilted and slightly browned, about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While onions are broiling, cook angel hair pasta in boiling water until barely tender.
- Drain and rinse the pasta.
- Place equal portions of pasta on plates in the center of the sauce.
- Top with broiled onions and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes, as their flavors complement each other well. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh basil can be a delightful substitute for parsley, enhancing the dish's freshness. When cooking the pasta, make sure to salt the water generously for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors nicely. For a heartier option, serve alongside Chicken Vicenza or a light Italian recipes-inspired antipasto platter. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled on top for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Broiled onions can be reheated briefly in the oven to retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1776 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while angel hair pasta is traditional, you can substitute it with other types like spaghetti or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it remains al dente.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit any cheese toppings and ensure your canned tomatoes do not contain any non-vegan additives. The dish is naturally vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best taste and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).