One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter
A quick one-pot pasta dish bursting with fresh tomato and basil flavors, enriched with a savory garlic butter finish. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 penne pasta
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 12 oz dry penne pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broth has mostly absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat, stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 4: Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes to thicken, then serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter?
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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter 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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Butter 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.
