One-Pot Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta
A simple, vibrant pasta dish cooked in one pot with fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic, perfect for an easy weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 large, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated (optional) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 12 oz spaghetti, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) in a large deep skillet or wide pot.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 9-11 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Toss gently until basil wilts and cheese melts into the sauce.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil and some fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and 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.
