One-Pot Garlic Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple, flavorful pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a light yet hearty meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 3 tbsp olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, then add 12 oz spaghetti, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and liquid reduces to a light sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic 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 One-Pot Garlic 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 One-Pot Garlic 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 One-Pot Garlic 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 One-Pot Garlic 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.
