Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta

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

A vibrant summer dish featuring fresh garden tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and al dente pasta for a light yet satisfying meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Roma tomatoes, Fresh basil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 diced Roma tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix well. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water to loosen. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta?

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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta?

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 Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta 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.

What goes well with Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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