One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

A simple one-pot pasta simmered in a fresh tomato and garlic sauce, finished with fragrant basil and Parmesan for a comforting Italian meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs dry spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, halved, garlic cloves, minced 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 dry spaghetti
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large wide pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using, stirring for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
3. Step 3: Add 12 oz dry spaghetti and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot, pressing the pasta down to submerge. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 9-11 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.