Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta: A Vibrant Delight

Name: Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe By:

Ava Mack

Posted:

August 27, 2025

Updated:

August 27, 2025

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Summer is all about vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta captures that essence beautifully. Imagine twirling your fork through a colorful medley of garden-fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta, all glistening with olive oil and a hint of garlic. herb roasted vegetables. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to sunlit gardens filled with the scent of basil and the laughter of friends. basil chicken cutlets recipe Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds—and possibly thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Summer Garden Pasta is a breeze to whip up, making meal prep feel effortless
It bursts with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients that brighten any table
The dish is versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those summer veggies from your garden or farmers market

One time, I made this dish for a picnic with friends, and their reactions were priceless—everyone devoured it like it was the last meal on earth!

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: I recommend using farfalle or penne for their fun shapes that hold onto the sauce perfectly.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes; they add sweetness and vibrancy to the dish.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini brings a delightful crunch and absorbs flavors beautifully when sautéed.
Bell Peppers: Choose colorful peppers for both flavor and visual appeal—red, yellow, or orange work best!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; don’t skimp on this aromatic hero.
Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves to elevate the flavor profile; they’re essential for that garden taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal here—its rich taste complements all the fresh ingredients. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan finishes the pasta with a savory touch; always go for freshly grated if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. spinach spaghetti recipe.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute is perfect.

Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped zucchini and bell peppers into the skillet. Cook until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch—around 3-4 minutes should do.

Mix in Tomatoes and Basil: Next, stir in halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Cook until tomatoes start to burst and release their juices—this usually takes another 3 minutes.

Combine Everything Together: Drain your pasta, reserving some cooking water. Add pasta into the skillet along with reserved water as needed to create a light sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated.

Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Off heat, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over your pasta dish. Stir gently so it melts into every nook and cranny while serving warm immediately.

Now you have Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta ready to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about sunny afternoons spent in good company while savoring this delightful dish.

You Must Know

Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for hot days
Its colorful veggies and light flavors make it a favorite
Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste and presentation, elevating this simple dish to gourmet status

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta first, then sauté the veggies while it’s cooking. This way, everything finishes at the same time, ensuring your pasta is perfectly al dente and your vegetables are vibrant and crisp.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. You could also add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra kick, making this dish even more satisfying. pesto chicken salad wraps.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to keep the pasta from drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a mix of colors for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests
Always taste your sauce before serving; sometimes it just needs a dash more salt
Lastly, don’t overcook your veggies; they should retain their crunch!

Cooking this dish reminds me of summer nights spent with friends, laughing over bowls of pasta while sipping chilled white wine. The compliments flowed as freely as the laughter, making for unforgettable memories.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Ina Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well and tastes great in this recipe.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What is the best way to enhance flavor?

Adding freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley boosts flavor tremendously; fresh is best!