When summer vegetables are at their peak, there’s no better way to showcase them than with Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta. This easy, no-fuss recipe lets the freshness of garden tomatoes, garlic, and basil shine. Tossed with hot pasta and a touch of parmesan, it’s the kind of light, vibrant dish that feels like summer on a plate. Perfect for weeknights, lunch gatherings, or a backyard dinner, this pasta proves that simplicity can be stunning.

What is Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and parmesan cheese.

The key?

Letting the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for hours before tossing them with hot pasta. This step creates a naturally sweet, juicy sauce without cooking. It’s one of those recipes where fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference.

Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta recipe — Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Perfect for peak tomato season – A delicious way to use garden-fresh produce.
No cooking the sauce – Just marinate and toss.
Quick and easy prep – Only a few ingredients needed.
Light and refreshing – Ideal for hot days when you want something satisfying but not heavy.
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly – Simple flavors everyone enjoys.
Great for make-ahead dinners – Tomatoes can marinate for hours in advance.
Customizable and versatile – Add mozzarella, olives, or grilled protein if you like.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 pound angel hair or spaghetti
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: fresh mozzarella balls or burrata for serving

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta

Marinate the tomatoes

In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, cover the bowl, and let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours. This allows the tomatoes to release their juices and create a fresh, flavorful sauce.

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Toss with marinated sauce

Immediately add the hot pasta to the tomato mixture. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated and glossy.

Add cheese and herbs

Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Serve immediately

Serve warm or at room temperature with extra parmesan or optional mozzarella on top.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Serve with grilled shrimp or chicken – Adds protein and makes it a complete meal.
Pair with a crisp green salad – Light and fresh to complement the pasta.
Include crusty artisan bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra tomato juices.
Top with a dollop of burrata – Extra creamy richness balances the acidity.
Include grilled vegetables – Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers go great on the side.
Finish with lemon zest or basil oil – Brightens the dish with more depth.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes – Fresh summer tomatoes are essential for flavor.
Let the tomatoes marinate fully – A minimum of 4 hours is key to building the sauce.
Cook pasta just until al dente – It holds texture better when tossed with the sauce.
Tear herbs instead of chopping – Keeps them tender and aromatic.
Add cheese while pasta is hot – Helps it melt evenly into the sauce.
Reserve pasta water – Adds silkiness and helps everything come together.
Serve immediately after mixing – Best when pasta is warm and cheese is melty.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Add fresh mozzarella or burrata – For creaminess and richness.
Mix in sautéed zucchini or squash – A great way to use more garden produce.
Try it with pesto – Swirl in a spoonful for a herbaceous twist.
Include olives or capers – Adds briny, salty notes to the dish.
Top with toasted pine nuts – For crunch and a nutty aroma.
Add grilled shrimp or scallops – Makes it a seafood-forward meal.
Use flavored olive oil – Garlic- or basil-infused oil deepens the overall flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Best eaten within 2 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving – No need to reheat.
Avoid freezing – Tomatoes lose their texture and flavor when frozen.
Add fresh basil and cheese before serving – Brightens leftovers.
Toss with a little olive oil if dry – Helps restore freshness.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Best served at room temperature – No reheating needed.
If needed, microwave gently – Use low heat and short intervals.
Stir in fresh herbs or cheese after reheating – Maintains brightness.
Avoid overcooking in the microwave – It can dry out the pasta or melt cheese unevenly.
Drizzle fresh olive oil before serving – Brings flavors back to life.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Cholesterol: 15mg

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the tomato mixture up to 6–8 hours in advance. However, for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and toss it with the marinated tomatoes just before serving. This ensures the pasta remains firm and the dish stays vibrant.

Do I need to cook the tomato sauce for this recipe?

No, this is a no-cook sauce. The cherry tomatoes are marinated at room temperature with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, which softens them and creates a natural, flavorful sauce when combined with hot pasta.

What’s the best pasta type for Summer Garden Pasta?

Thin pastas like angel hair or spaghetti work best because they absorb the fresh tomato juices well and mix easily with the light sauce. However, linguine or thin fettuccine are also good alternatives.

Can I store leftovers of Summer Garden Pasta?

Yes, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed at room temperature, so let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before eating. If it seems dry, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and toss well.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a true celebration of simplicity and seasonal ingredients. With its no-cook sauce and minimal effort, this dish lets you enjoy the taste of summer in every bite. Fresh, fragrant, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of pasta you’ll make on repeat all season long.