Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, garlic-kissed pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, named after the Spanish phrase '¿Cómo te llamas?' for a dish that's as inviting as a warm greeting. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic 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.

★ 3.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 1 tablespoon salt and 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt, bringing to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and the cheese melts.
  5. Step 5: Divide into bowls, top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese per serving, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil 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 Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil 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.

Is Como Te Llamas Tomato Basil Pasta 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