Language Linguine: Tomato Basil Pasta

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

A zesty pasta dish inspired by the linguistic diversity of U.S. communities. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs linguine pasta, tomato sauce, fresh basil 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to bind the sauce. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Language Linguine: Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Language Linguine: 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 linguine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Language Linguine: 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 Language Linguine: 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 Language Linguine: 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

Related recipes