No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Fresh, vibrant, and ready in 30 minutes! This Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta recipe is perfect for summer nights, featuring sweet farmers’ market tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan for a light, flavorful dinner.

No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Walking through the farmers' market is heaven lately as there has been an irresistible abundance of fresh produce spilling out of their buckets. Last weekend, I came home with a bag with the most luscious cherry tomatoes, each one bursting with sweetness and sun-ripened flavor. I knew I wanted to celebrate their natural freshness—no heavy sauces, no long hours at the stove, just a dish that feels like summer in every bite.

Enter this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta, a recipe that proves dinner can be light, bright, and satisfying—without heating up the whole kitchen. The tomatoes are left to marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper, creating their own luxurious sauce while you boil the pasta. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely perfect for an alfresco dinner on the patio or a breezy poolside evening when all you want is something fresh and easy, but carries a flavor punch.

One twirl of this pasta, with those juicy marinated tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ll know—it’s the kind of dish that makes summer taste like heaven.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini) – Light and delicate, perfect for soaking up the fresh tomato marinade.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes from the farmers’ market for peak flavor.

• Shallot & Garlic – Finely sliced and chopped to add a fragrant bite to the marinade.

• Fresh Basil – Brings bright, herbaceous notes; slice some extra for garnish.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

• Lemon Juice – Adds zingy freshness and keeps the dish light.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High-quality oil makes a difference—this is your sauce base.

• Parmesan Cheese – Shaved for a salty, nutty finish that melts into the warm pasta.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Pasta – Substitute spaghetti or thin linguine

• Tomatoes – Use heirloom cherry or grape tomatoes

• Cheese – Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite

• Basil – Try fresh parsley for a twist

Variations

• Add Protein – Top with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or slices of grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

• Mediterranean Style – Add kalamata olives, capers, or crumbled feta for extra tang.

• Garlic-Lovers Edition – Roast the garlic before adding for a mellow, sweet depth of flavor.

• Zoodle Swap – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a light, low-carb variation.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Marinating Time – Give the tomatoes at least 10 minutes to release their juices for a natural “sauce.”

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Angel hair cooks quickly; keep it al dente so it doesn’t break apart.

• Reserve Pasta Water – If the mixture feels dry, a splash of starchy pasta water helps everything come together.

• Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the tomatoes are vibrant and the Parmesan just begins to melt.

    "Set the Mood"    

Picture this: a golden summer evening, a table set outdoors, a cool breeze carrying the scent of basil and lemon through the air. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water, maybe a small plate of marinated olives on the side. This dish is meant for alfresco dining—by the pool, on the patio, or wherever the season feels most alive. Pair with a crisp salad, crusty bread, and the simple joy of lingering over a meal that tastes like pure summer.

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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇