Herb-Infused Pasta with Basil and Parsley

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish where fresh herbs are layered into the sauce for a delicate, aromatic finish without overpowering the noodles. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, finely chopped fresh basil, finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, cooking for 30 seconds until vibrant green and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with tongs for 1 minute, incorporating 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to create a light, emulsified sauce that coats the noodles.
  5. Step 5: Divide among plates and top immediately with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese per serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Pasta with Basil and Parsley 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 Herb-Infused Pasta with Basil and Parsley?

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 Pasta with Basil and Parsley?

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 Pasta with Basil and Parsley 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 Pasta with Basil and Parsley 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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