Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten

Are you ready to elevate your summer dining experience with Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta? This delightful dish captures the essence of the season with its fresh and vibrant flavors, making it a standout favorite for warm evenings. Inspired by Ina Garten’s Mediterranean flair, this recipe combines the best of summer produce with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to sun-drenched shores.

Picture this: plump cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, Kalamata olives adding a briny kick, and a medley of herbs infusing every bite with freshness. Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta is a celebration of simple yet quality ingredients coming together harmoniously to create a dish that sings with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this pasta is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Embrace the Mediterranean spirit of savoring life’s simple pleasures with each forkful of this delectable pasta. Let the flavors meld together, allowing the dish to reach its full potential as you savor leftovers the next day. Versatile, customizable, and perfect for sharing, Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta is not just a recipe—it’s a culinary experience that embodies the joy of seasonal cooking.

Quick Benefits

• Fresh and Light: Perfect for warm evenings, this pasta dish combines vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes, lemon, and herbs for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
• Enhanced Flavors: The combination of high-quality ingredients like olives, garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a Mediterranean-inspired taste that is both simple and delicious.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the dish with different pasta shapes, protein additions like beans or mozzarella, and vegetable variations to suit your preferences and what’s in season.
• Convenient and Meal Prep-Friendly: The pasta improves with time, making it an ideal dish for meal prep. Enjoy leftovers for up to three days, with flavors melding together and absorbing more dressing for a tasty next-day meal.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten Recipe

• Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The combination of cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs creates a burst of summer flavors in every bite.
• Easy and Quick to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe based on your preferences and what ingredients you have on hand, making it suitable for various dietary needs and tastes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The pasta tastes even better as the flavors meld together, allowing you to make it ahead of time for convenient lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Mediterranean Sensibilities: Embrace the essence of Mediterranean cooking by using high-quality ingredients and simple techniques to create a dish that celebrates seasonal abundance.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether as a main dish or a side, this pasta is a crowd-pleaser that works well for potlucks, picnics, or family-style gatherings.
• Adaptable Cooking Methods: You can use different pasta shapes, add extra vegetables, or customize the dish with proteins to suit your preferences without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook the pasta until al dente following package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Combine cooked pasta with garlic oil, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasonings

Combine fresh basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and serve either warm or at room temperature.

Storage Tips

After preparing Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the dish will continue to meld together, enhancing the taste over time. As the pasta absorbs more of the dressing, you can revive the dish by adding a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving leftover portions. This pasta is a great option for meal prep, making it easy to have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week. Consider making a double batch to ensure you have plenty of leftovers on hand.

In addition to the original recipe, you can customize this dish to suit your preferences and ingredient availability. Use any short pasta with ridges or curves if you don’t have fusilli or penne on hand. In the winter months, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for fresh ones, adjusting the quantity and chopping them finely. For added protein, consider including cannellini beans or fresh mozzarella. Vegans can omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor. This versatile pasta works well as a main dish or a side, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks and picnics since it can be served at room temperature, family-style on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and extra Parmesan for guests to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have fusilli or penne pasta on hand, feel free to use any short pasta shape with ridges or curves. Spaghetti or rigatoni can work well too; just adjust cooking times accordingly. To make this dish vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Also, ensure that your pasta is egg-free to keep the recipe plant-based.

For a seasonal twist or if cherry tomatoes are out of season, sun-dried tomatoes can be a good alternative. Just reduce the quantity and chop them finely before adding them to the dish. To enhance the protein content, consider adding cannellini beans or chunks of fresh mozzarella. Adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach not only adds more color and nutrients but also complements the flavors beautifully. Remember to add fresh herbs right before serving for the best taste and texture. If Kalamata olives are unavailable, you can substitute them with green olives, black olives, or capers for a similar tangy flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider turning this vibrant summer pasta into a refreshing pasta salad perfect for picnics or potlucks. Simply chill the cooked pasta, toss it with the lemon and herb dressing, then add in some fresh arugula for a peppery bite. The addition of grilled shrimp or chicken on top will transform it into a complete and satisfying meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

Another fun way to serve this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is to stuff it into halved and hollowed-out bell peppers or zucchinis. Top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then bake until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is heated through. This presentation adds a playful twist to the dish and makes for a stunning and delicious meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Ensure your pasta is egg-free as well.

Can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish even more vibrant and nutritious.

Can I prepare this pasta dish in advance?

You can prepare the dish a few hours in advance and serve it at room temperature. For best texture, add fresh herbs right before serving.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta is truly a celebration of seasonal flavors and simple yet quality ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a light meal, this pasta is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, pour a glass of crisp white wine, and savor every bite of this Mediterranean-inspired dish. Ina Garten’s Summer Pasta is not just a recipe; it’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment, and delight in the joys of good food and great company. Cheers to many more delicious meals shared with those who matter most!

Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe by Ina Garten

“Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Summer Pasta inspired by Ina Garten, bursting with cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineMediterranean

Skill LevelEasy

Servings~

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente following package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients: Combine cooked pasta with garlic oil, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
4. Add Herbs and Seasonings: Combine fresh basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
5. Finish and Serve: Top the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and serve either warm or at room temperature.