Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
A comforting, herby pasta dish with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pasta, tomatoes, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, penne or spaghetti pasta
- 4 medium, diced tomatoes
- 1 small, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 4 medium diced tomatoes and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Step 5: Toss 12 oz cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Stir to coat.
- Step 6: Top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Classic Italian Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better general dishes though.
