One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta Simmer

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple one-pot pasta dish simmered with fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp 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 cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz uncooked spaghetti, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta Simmer 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 Tomato Basil Pasta Simmer?

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 Tomato Basil Pasta Simmer?

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 Basil Pasta Simmer 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 Basil Pasta Simmer 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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