Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Basil
A vibrant pasta dish featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes and zucchini, tossed with garlic and basil in a simple olive oil base. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium zucchini, cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 2 thinly sliced medium zucchinis to the skillet, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then toss for 1 minute until sauce coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh 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 Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh 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 Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh 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.
What goes well with Heirloom Tomato and Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
