Italian Pasta Toss with Sundried Tomatoes and Basil

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

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish tossed with oil-packed sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic for an easy weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, sundried tomatoes in oil 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is golden but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped sundried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through.
  4. Step 4: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Pasta Toss with Sundried Tomatoes and Basil 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 Pasta Toss with Sundried 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pasta Toss with Sundried 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 Italian Pasta Toss with Sundried 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.

Is Italian Pasta Toss with Sundried Tomatoes and Basil 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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