Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan

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

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish combining ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, ready in just 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 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 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden — do not burn.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 diced ripe plum tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a chunky sauce.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan?

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 Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan?

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 Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan 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 Half-Hour Tomato and Basil Pasta with Parmesan 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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