One-Pot Rustic Tomato and Basil Pasta

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

A simple and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta dish combining fresh tomatoes and basil in a rich, herbaceous sauce cooked all in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 12 oz spaghetti broken in half for easier stirring, reduce heat to medium, and let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, and toss gently until cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Rustic Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 Rustic 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 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 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 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.

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