Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant, restaurant-quality pasta dish ready in 20 minutes with minimal ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons, chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes are softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy consistency.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
