Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and comforting Italian pasta cooked in one pot with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti broken in half, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, tossing to combine and create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra parmesan and basil if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian One-Pot 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 Italian One-Pot 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 Italian One-Pot 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 Italian One-Pot 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 Italian One-Pot 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.

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