Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 pints (about 4 cups) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
  • 2 Medium Zucchini, thinly sliced or shaved into ribbons
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Dry White Wine (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Low sodium Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup packed Fresh Basil Leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino), plus extra for serving

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Slice garlic, halve tomatoes, chop basil, and prepare zucchini (shaving into ribbons or slicing thinly). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add angel hair to boiling water. Cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the pan). Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for 60-90 seconds until fragrant—do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Bloom the Tomatoes: Add the tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-6 minutes until they start to soften and burst, releasing their juices. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  5. Deglaze (Optional): If using wine, pour it in now. Let it bubble vigorously and reduce by half (about 1 minute).
  6. Add Zucchini & Liquid: Add the zucchini ribbons/slices and the broth. Stir gently and cook for only 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and immediately add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables.
  8. Emulsify: Toss everything together quickly. Add the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, tossing continuously until a light, glossy sauce forms that clings nicely to the pasta. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.
  9. Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with extra cheese on top.