Ina Garten’s 5-STAR Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil 🍅🍴
If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful pasta dish that will impress your family and friends, Ina Garten’s Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil is the ultimate choice. This recipe embodies the essence of simple yet delicious cooking, making it a perfect option for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup good olive oil, plus extra for the pot
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (approximately 6 cloves)
- 4 pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 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
Directions
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Prepare the Water: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and a splash of olive oil to the pot to flavor the pasta as it cooks.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large (12-inch) sauté pan, heat the 1/2 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan, along with the julienned basil, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes soften but do not break apart.
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Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are cooking, add the capellini to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 2 minutes. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve some of the pasta water.
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Combine: In a large serving bowl, combine the drained pasta with the sautéed tomatoes, the Parmesan cheese, and toss well. If the dish seems too dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Serve generous portions of pasta topped with extra fresh basil and a bowl of additional grated Parmesan on the side for guests to help themselves.
Notes
This Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil is not just about vibrant flavors; it’s about simplicity and elegance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, allowing the fresh basil and sweet tomatoes to shine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is not just easy to prepare; it also brings a taste of the Italian countryside right to your table.
Enjoy this delightful recipe and elevate your midweek meals with Ina Garten’s classic approach to home cooking!
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ina Garten's 5-STAR Capellini with Tomatoes and Basil 🍅🍴 Barefoot Contessa | Food Network” was uploaded on 08/21/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network