Colorado Tomato and Herb Pasta
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, medium, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 4 medium, diced Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water to loosen. Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
