Denver's Sun-Kissed Tomato Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring heirloom tomatoes roasted to sweet perfection, tossed with fresh basil and garlic in a light olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, spaghetti for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 2 cups, diced into 1/2-inch cubes heirloom tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until edges are caramelized and juicy.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water 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 3: Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add roasted tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped basil to the skillet. Toss with drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats the strands.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and creamy, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver's Sun-Kissed Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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's Sun-Kissed 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Denver's Sun-Kissed 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's Sun-Kissed 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.
Is Denver's Sun-Kissed Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
