ina's summer garden pasta

I just love Ina Garten...The Barefoot Contessa! She is one of my all time favorite chefs. I love watching her show and daydreaming about what it would be like to live in the Hamptons near the beach, make fabulous food, and shop at fabulous boutiques....! She and Jeffery pretty much have the life! :) My sister-in-law was able to meet her while working at Sur La Table and said she is just as sweet and pleasant in person...makes me love her even more!

Here is one of our favorite recipes of hers. I encourage you to make this immediately! It is perfect for the summer especially with fresh tomatoes and herbs from the garden. It is so easy and so delish! Would be great for a big crowd too!

" target="_blank">

via Food Network but originally from her cookbook Barefoot Contessa at Home

This will serve about 6 people and takes about 4 1/2 hours just because you let the tomatoes soak for 4 hours, but...if you are in a pinch you can soak them for just 1-2 hours - it is still great - just not as great. 

Ingredients:

4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

Good olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (we use a full tablespoon for extra spice)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried angel hair pasta
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions:
Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

Just before you're ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

Enjoy!