If you’re looking for the definition of effortless elegance in a bowl, Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights is about to become your new go-to. This pasta, brimming with sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, plenty of basil, and an irresistible dusting of real Parmesan, is genuinely the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with after a long day — and maybe make again for friends on the weekend. It’s proof that the best food sometimes comes from just a handful of colorful, flavor-packed ingredients and a single skillet, all working together in beautiful harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights is in its simplicity — every ingredient deserves a starring role. The quality and freshness of what you use here will truly shine through, making each bite special and every color pop on your plate.
- Angel hair pasta (1 pound): Its delicate texture soaks up the vibrant sauce and gives the dish that classic, airy feel.
- Good olive oil (1/4 cup): Use your best bottle; it forms the base of the sauce and brings a peppery, fruity note.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon, about 3 cloves): Be careful not to brown it; you want sweetness, not bitterness, for aromatic depth.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Use the ripest you can find for juicy bursts of summery flavor and a beautiful red color.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a background warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes and balancing the pasta.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly ground is best for a fragrant kick.
- Fresh basil (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds herbal freshness and a lively green color right at the end.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Don’t skimp! Its salty, nutty flavor ties all the elements together.
- Extra Parmesan and basil for garnish: These give the finished dish that restaurant-level finish and a final pop of taste.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a lively rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions — usually just 2 to 4 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. The key here is timing, as you want the pasta ready just as your sauce is finishing so everything comes together fresh and hot.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a broad sauté pan set over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir gently for about one minute. You’re aiming for fragrant and golden, not brown — this step is all about coaxing out gentle garlic essence, setting the stage for what’s next.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The tomatoes should start to soften and release their juices, forming a light, colorful sauce that captures summer in every spoonful.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
When the pasta is just al dente, drain it (save a splash of cooking water, just in case) and immediately toss it into the pan with the tomato mixture. Remove from heat and get ready for the magic — you want the hot pasta to drink up all those tomatoey, garlicky juices.
Step 5: Finish with Basil and Parmesan
Right at the end, add the chopped fresh basil and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until glossy and each strand of angel hair is cloaked in flavor. If it looks a bit dry, loosen things up with a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water. That’s it — Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights, ready in less time than it takes to set the table.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights
Garnishes
A little extra grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh basil take this dish from great to gourmet. The cheese melts into the warm noodles for an extra layer of richness, while the basil delivers a burst of color and a garden-fresh aroma you can’t resist. Serve it in a big bowl or twirl it high on individual plates — either way, it’s picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights is hearty enough on its own, but pairs beautifully with a crisp, lemony green salad or some roasted asparagus. If you want to round out the meal for guests, a warm, crusty baguette or slices of garlic bread never go amiss, soaking up every drop of that gorgeous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this pasta family-style in a big serving bowl, or plate it in elegant nests for a dinner party wow factor. For a burst of protein, top each portion with grilled shrimp or juicy slices of roasted chicken. Another fun idea: serve alongside a platter of roasted seasonal vegetables, letting everyone customize their bowl. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the pasta into an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator. The flavors will gently meld as it rests, making for a dreamy next-day lunch or speedy dinner. Just be sure to eat within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.
Freezing
While angel hair pasta can be a little delicate for freezing, you can absolutely freeze this dish if needed. Let it cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a taste of summer, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen up the sauce and keep things silky. The microwave works in a pinch, but go for short intervals and stir often to avoid overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free angel hair or capellini pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy every forkful with confidence.
What’s the best type Main Course
Since olive oil is a foundational flavor here, use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil with a fruity, robust taste. Even a mid-priced bottle you’d happily dip bread into will shine in this dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! While Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights celebrates simplicity, you can toss in sautéed zucchini, baby spinach, or even roasted bell peppers for added color and texture.
Can I prepare Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights ahead of time?
You can prep the tomatoes, garlic, and basil in advance. While this dish is at its absolute best fresh, the cooked pasta and sauce hold up well for a day or two, making it a smart option for meal-prep or busy weeknights.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It sure is! You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to keep it mild, and most kids love the subtle sweetness of the cherry tomatoes paired with cheesy pasta. It’s a wonderful family meal.
Final Thoughts
This pasta is pure Ina — unfussy yet full of soul, comfort, and incredible flavor. I hope you’re inspired to make Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights your own weeknight legend, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. There’s a delicious simplicity here that never goes out of style.
Print
Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe: A Simple Dish that Delights Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe is a delightfully simple dish that combines angel hair pasta with a burst of flavors from cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Angel Hair Pasta:
- 1 pound
Good Olive Oil:
- 1/4 cup
Minced Garlic:
- 1 tablespoon (about 3 cloves)
Cherry Tomatoes (halved):
- 1 pint
Red Pepper Flakes:
- 1/2 teaspoon
Kosher Salt:
- 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
- 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Basil (chopped):
- 1/2 cup
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese:
- 1/2 cup
Extra Parmesan and Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta until al dente.
- Prepare the Tomato Mixture: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan, add garlic, cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until tomatoes soften.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the pasta, toss it with the tomato mixture, then stir in basil and Parmesan. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Use the best quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Consider adding sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
