Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta
Classic Italian pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic in a light olive oil dressing. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe plum tomatoes diced, fresh basil leaves chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 3 cups ripe plum tomatoes diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
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 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups diced ripe plum tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine and let the sauce thicken slightly for 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss again briefly and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and 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 Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and 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 Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and 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.
Is Herb-Infused Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta 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.
