Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera

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

A sophisticated yet simple pasta dish featuring fresh summer vegetables and a rich tomato-basil sauce that elevates the humble tomato. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, zucchini, yellow squash for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 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 spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, thinly slice 2 medium zucchini and 2 medium yellow squash. Cut 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes in half. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes, stirring to coat. Sauté for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold shape, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn) and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce clings to strands.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If too thick, add more reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time. Season with 1 tsp salt and additional black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera?

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 Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera?

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 Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera 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 Earnest Tomato-Basil Pasta Primavera?

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.

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