One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-23 · Updated 2026-05-23

A simple, comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.