Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil

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

A classic Italian dish featuring al dente pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in a light olive oil sauce. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a loose sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in chopped basil and Parmesan. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil?

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 Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil?

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 Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil 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 Genuine Italian Pasta with Tomato and Basil 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.

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