Gin-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tomatoes sautéed in gin, tossed with fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan for a refreshing twist. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, tomatoes, gin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 4, chopped tomatoes
- 1/3 cup gin
- 1/2 cup, chopped basil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes and gin, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Add basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until herbs are wilted and fragrant.
- Step 4: Toss pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce. Stir in Parmesan and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gin-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Gin-Infused 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 Gin-Infused 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 Gin-Infused 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.
What goes well with Gin-Infused Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
