Chaka’s Favorite Year Round Recipe!

Angel Hair Pasta with Fresh Garlic and Herb Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8-10 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
• 6-8 fresh ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1.5 lbs peeled and seeded)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

To serve:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra olive oil for drizzling
• Additional fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic (and onion, if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden—do not burn.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the tomatoes cook down for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they form a chunky sauce.
• Add the basil, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are very acidic. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine:

• Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve:

• Plate the pasta and drizzle with a little extra olive oil. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with additional fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

This dish is light, flavorful, and highlights the freshness of the ingredients.