One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil
A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, ready in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, oil-packed, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes soften.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats every strand, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried 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 One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried 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.
What goes well with One Pot Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This pasta was a hit at my dinner party! The sun-dried tomatoes gave such a rich flavor.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The basil made it fresh and the sun-dried tomatoes were amazing.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this one-pot meal. So easy and delicious, especially with the fresh basil.
