Angel Hair Tomato Basil Toss
A light, flavorful pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and green onions, perfect for a quick, vegetarian lunch or dinner with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 2 tablespoons dried basil ⓘ
- 3 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add peeled and diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil or dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Prepare angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain.
- Toss the hot cooked angel hair with the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using fresh herbs from your garden, especially basil. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute. To add a protein element, grilled chicken or shrimp can be tossed in with the pasta. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of additional basil. It pairs beautifully with a side of Deluxe Salad for a complete meal. For a satisfying dinner, consider serving it alongside grilled fish or a light dessert like Wonderful Dessert to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to restore moisture, stirring until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Tomato Basil Toss contains roughly 602 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, while angel hair pasta is traditional, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish is already packed with flavor from the garlic, tomatoes, and basil, making it delicious even without cheese.
What can I add for extra protein?
For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Toss them into the pasta along with the tomato mixture for a heartier meal. This not only boosts the nutritional content but also creates a satisfying, well-rounded dish.
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).