Ingredients
Ingredients
- 7 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup parmesan or Italian hard cheese, grated
- 1 bunch basil and/or flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Olive oil (for sautéing, amount as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat a little olive oil in a wide, deep pot over low to medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic; sauté until the garlic is fragrant and soft.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, butter, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to allow the tomato juices, butter, and balsamic vinegar to create a sticky coating on the tomatoes.
- Add pasta and stock: Add the angel hair pasta to the pot, then pour in 2 cups of vegetable stock. Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking. Initially, the pasta will remain dry on top but will soften as it absorbs the stock.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pot and leave it to simmer on very low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and add more vegetable stock if the mixture starts drying out. If the sauce is too watery, simmer uncovered briefly to reduce excess liquid.
- Add cheese: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted, combining with the starchy liquid to form a creamy sauce.
- Finish with herbs and serve: Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of vegetable stock depending on the pasta’s absorption; keep some extra stock handy.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, add more butter or cheese to taste.
- This recipe is flexible: substitute parsley for basil or use a mix of both herbs.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian