One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter
A simple, comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp salt, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 9-11 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid reduces to a light sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently until cheese melts and coats pasta evenly. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter 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 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Basil Pasta 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 Basil Pasta 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.
