Most Refreshing Italian Tomato Basil Pasta

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

Al dente pasta tossed with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a light olive oil dressing. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pasta, diced ripe tomatoes, torn fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add cooked pasta, basil, and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss until well combined and glossy. Season with salt before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Most Refreshing Italian Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Most Refreshing Italian 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Most Refreshing Italian 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 Most Refreshing Italian 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 Most Refreshing Italian 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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