Light and fresh, this Angel Hair Pasta with Pan Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce is a quick and delicious meal. With blistered tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a hint of lemon, it’s a dish you’ll love!
Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Summer Pasta at Its Finest!
One night I threw together what turned into this Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for my partner, using a bunch of random ingredients left in the fridge—and it was so good I had to write it down. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor with all the right hits: sweet, jammy tomatoes, garlicky pesto, a squeeze of lemon, and delicate angel hair that soaks it all up. A total weeknight win that feels way more special than it should
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in 30 minutes – Dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.
Light yet satisfying – Perfect for warmer months or when you want something less heavy.
Uses pantry staples – Pesto, pasta, and olive oil form the base, with fresh cherry tomatoes bringing it to life.
Vegan-friendly – Completely delicious, no meat needed!
Ingredient Highlight: Angel Hair & Italian Seasoning
Angel Hair Pasta
Thin, silky, and delicate—angel hair (aka capellini) is one of the fastest-cooking pastas around. Its light texture makes it the perfect vehicle for delicate sauces, especially those based on fresh veggies or olive oil.
Italian Seasoning
This classic blend of dried herbs—typically oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme—adds warmth and earthiness. It brings the tomato sauce to life, mimicking the flavors of a slow-simmered sugo in a fraction of the time.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- Want extra creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or a splash of cream at the end.
- Out of angel hair? Swap in spaghetti, linguine, or even orzo—whatever you have on hand.
- Prefer it spicy? A pinch of red chili flakes goes a long way.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan pesto and skip the Parmesan (or sub with nutritional yeast).
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Totally! Just go for a high-quality brand with fresh ingredients. Or make your own if you’ve got fresh basil around.
What’s the best way to roast the tomatoes?
Let them cook covered for the first part so they steam and burst, then uncover and stir to caramelize. Low and slow is the key!
Can I add protein?
Definitely—tofu would be great here. You could also toss in some white beans for a plant-based protein boost.
Let’s Dish: Did You Know?
Angel hair pasta—aka capellini—translates to “little hairs” in Italian, and it totally lives up to the name. This delicate pasta has roots in central Italy and was traditionally served in light broths or simple oil-based sauces. Because it cooks in just a couple minutes, it’s perfect for quick dishes where you want the noodles to soak up every bit of flavor.
Love a light, fresh, and flavor-packed meal? Then try my Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes!
Burst cherry tomatoes, garlicky pesto, and zesty lemon come together in minutes for a dish that tastes like summer. Give it a try and tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #MadlyDelicious to share your take!
More Summer Recipes
Grilled Peaches with Tahini Caramel
Creamy Buffalo Macaroni Salad (No-Mayo)
Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta, also known as capellini (substitute with spaghetti)
- 10-12 ounces cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 2 tbsp vegan pesto (homemade or store bought)
- ½ cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon*
- 1-2 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning*
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp salt, adjust as needed
- ¼ tsp black pepper, adjust as needed
- juice from 1 lemon
- ¼ cup plant-based parmesan, grated
- Reserved pasta water
- Garnish with a dollop of pesto, grated Parmesan and torn basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook 8 oz of angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 10 oz of cherry tomatoes, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the tomatoes until they blister, shaking the pan occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Once the tomatoes have popped and released their juices, uncover the pan. Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in ½ teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.*
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Mix in 2 tbsp of pesto and ½ cup of olive oil. Allow the sauce to cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Finish Sauce: Add the juice from 1 lemon and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer for another 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan, a dollop of pesto and torn basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately!
I made this last night and it turned out delicious! I added sliced shiitake mushrooms that I still had in the fridge. This recipe is quick and uncomplicated, just as I love it!
Yay – I love to hear that! And great addition on the shiitakes! Thank you for giving this recipe a try.