Herb-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple pasta dish tossed with a vibrant tomato-basil sauce made using garden-fresh ingredients from your own or a local greenhouse. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 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
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 cups, diced Ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
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; 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, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; remove from heat.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and toss once more.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
