Angel Hair Pasta Pomodoro

I love the simplicity of Italian food.  With just a few ingredients you can create a special meal.  Most of the ingredients that go into this dish, you may already have.  Instead of angel hair pasta, orzo, penne,  or spaghetti noodles can be substituted.  What's great about this pasta is that it only takes about 7 minutes to make once the water boils for the pasta!  Try it!

Angel hair Pasta Pomodoro

1/3 package of angel hair pasta

3 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

zest of 1 lemon

2 Tbsp of lemon juice

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

20 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 ladles of pasta water

2 Tbsp basil leaves, torn or sliced

For garnish:  Parmesan cheese and red hot chili flakes


Boil water for the pasta in a large pan.  Add a bit of salt when it boils, then add the pasta, stirring.  Cook according to package directions, usually 9-10 minutes.  Reserve 2 ladles of pasta water, then drain.

In a large skillet, add the butter and olive oil.  Heat on medium heat until butter melts.  Add the garlic, zest, lemon juice, parsley and tomatoes.  Cook for only 3-4 minutes so the flavors blend.  Add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to mix ingredients.  Add the basil and pasta water, especially if it looks dry.  You can also add a bit more olive oil at the end.  It's ready....plate, garnish and enjoy!

Serves about 2-3.