Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
A vibrant pasta dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a bright tomato-basil sauce with a hint of sun-dried tomato intensity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, oil-packed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh basil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti, cooking for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup vegetable broth, simmering for 3 minutes until slightly reduced. Add 1/2 cup fresh basil, lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp salt, stirring until basil wilts.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti with sauce, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a glossy coating. Cook for 1 minute until sauce adheres to pasta.
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 and 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 Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and 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 Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and 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 Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and 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 Herb-Infused Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, fresh and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My family couldn't stop eating it.
- ★★★★☆
The herbs were a bit overpowering, but the sun-dried tomatoes made it special.
