Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring a fresh sauce made from heirloom tomatoes, garden herbs, and garlic, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a taste of the garden center's finest harvest. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1.5 lbs heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts) 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.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs diced heirloom tomatoes and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and reaches desired consistency.
- Step 6: Divide among plates and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato 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 Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato 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 Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato 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 Denver Garden Heirloom Tomato Pasta?
Italian 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
