Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair

Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair is a dish that elegantly intertwines the lightness of angel hair pasta with the vibrant essence of a summer garden. Each component of this dish harmonizes to create a tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas, capturing the spirit of Italian cuisine in every bite.

The foundation of the dish, angel hair pasta, is celebrated for its delicate, fine strands that perfectly embody the art of pasta making. It serves as a gentle base, subtly complementing the bolder flavors it accompanies. This pasta, with its quick cooking time, retains a delightful al dente texture, offering a tender yet firm bite that is characteristic of expertly prepared pasta.

The bruschetta topping, a colorful amalgamation of ripe, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, crisp red onions, and fragrant basil, is a tribute to the simplicity and freshness of Italian cooking. The tomatoes, carefully chosen for their ripeness, burst forth with a sweet and tangy flavor, reminiscent of the warm, sun-drenched fields of Italy. Garlic and red onion are finely chopped, releasing their pungent aromas and adding depth and complexity to the topping. Fresh basil, with its unique peppery sweetness, weaves a hint of herbaceous freshness throughout the dish, evoking the lushness of an Italian herb garden.

Enhancing the bruschetta is a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, bringing forward its fruity notes and velvety texture, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, which introduces a subtle tanginess and a whisper of sweetness. This combination creates a harmonious balance, marrying the rich and the bright elements of the topping.

In a creative twist, the bruschetta mixture is gently warmed in a skillet, a step that deepens the flavors and marries them beautifully. This warmth transforms the fresh bruschetta into a luxurious sauce-like consistency, allowing it to adhere to and envelop the strands of pasta, ensuring that each forkful is infused with the full spectrum of its flavors.

The addition of Parmesan cheese directly into the pasta and bruschetta mixture is a nod to the time-honored tradition of Italian cheese-making. As the Parmesan melts, it imparts a nutty, salty savoriness, creating a creamy coating that clings to the pasta. This cheese adds not just flavor but also a lovely texture, making the dish more indulgent and satisfying.

To serve, Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair is presented with an artistic flair. The pasta is twirled onto plates, showcasing the beautiful interplay of the angel hair with the rich, tomato-laden bruschetta. A garnish of basil chiffonade and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil complete the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish.

What is Basil Chiffonade?

Chiffonade is a technique where herbs or leafy greens are cut into long, thin strips. This is especially popular with basil due to its large leaves and is often used as a garnish to add both flavor and an elegant touch to dishes.

To Prepare Basil Chiffonade:

1. Stack the Basil Leaves: Take several basil leaves and stack them on top of one another.
2. Roll the Leaves: Gently roll them into a tight cylinder. This makes it easier to slice them into thin strips.
3. Slice Thinly: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled basil leaves crosswise into thin strips.

Every bite of Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair is a celebration of Italian culinary artistry. It’s a dish that resonates with the warmth of a summer’s day, the richness of Italy’s agricultural bounty, and the passion for simple yet exquisite cooking. Ideal for a summery al fresco meal, a cozy dinner, or as part of an elegant feast, this dish brings the essence of Italy to your table, offering a dining experience that is as nourishing as it is delightful.

Beverage Pairing Suggestions

Pairing the right beverage with “Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair” can enhance the overall dining experience by complementing the dish’s light and fresh flavors. Here are three distinct pairing suggestions:

• Chianti: A Chianti, known for its medium body and well-balanced acidity, can be a great red wine option. Its subtle notes of cherry and earthy undertones can complement the tomato and basil in the bruschetta without overwhelming the lightness of the angel hair pasta.
• Limoncello: While not a traditional pairing with a meal, Limoncello, a sweet Italian lemon liqueur, can be a delightful way to end the dining experience. Its bright lemon flavor and sweetness make it an excellent digestif, especially after a light, herb-infused pasta dish like the Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair.
• Prosecco: The light effervescence and slightly fruity notes of Prosecco can elevate the fresh and vibrant flavors of the bruschetta topping. Its gentle bubbles and mild sweetness provide a pleasant contrast to the savory and herbal notes of the dish.

Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Bruschetta Basilico Angel Hair is a light and flavorful pasta dish where delicate strands of angel hair are tossed with a vibrant, fresh bruschetta mix, rich Parmesan cheese, and garnished with aromatic basil, offering a perfect balance of fresh garden flavors and Italian simplicity.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces 16 angel hair pasta

• 4 ripe 4 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 3 cloves 3 garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup 1/2 basil, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons 3 extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon 1 balsamic vinegar

• 1 cup 1 Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup 1/2 basil, cut into strips

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for garnish, extra virgin olive oil

Directions

• Make the Bruschetta Topping:
  In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, and chopped basil. Drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and then mix well. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Set aside and let the flavors meld.
• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Heat the Bruschetta Mixture:
  Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bruschetta mixture and warm it gently, just until it gets hot. Be careful not to overcook the tomatoes.
• Combine Pasta with Bruschetta and Parmesan:
  Add the drained angel hair pasta to the skillet with the bruschetta. Toss in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Gently combine everything, and add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Serve:
  Plate the pasta. Garnish with the sliced basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.