Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a bright tomato sauce packed with fresh herbs, served with warm pita bread for dipping. This italian-inspired pasta (mediterranean, vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste; simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and the water has been absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, preheat a small skillet over medium heat; add 1/2 cup pita pieces and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pasta topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the crispy pita pieces on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Brussels Market Fresh Pasta with Herbed Tomato Sauce and Pita vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes