Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
A simple one-pot pasta simmered in a fresh tomato and garlic sauce, finished with fragrant basil and Parmesan for a comforting Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs dry spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, halved, garlic cloves, minced 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 dry spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large wide pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using, stirring for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz dry spaghetti and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot, pressing the pasta down to submerge. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 9-11 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan 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 with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 dry spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 with Garlic and Parmesan 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 with Garlic and Parmesan 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.
