One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Olive Oil
A straightforward pasta dish that cooks all at once with fresh tomatoes and basil, delivering bright vibrant flavors with minimal fuss. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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. 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 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 cups water
- 1/2 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Pour in 5 cups water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 9-11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the water has mostly evaporated, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss gently until well combined and serve immediately for a fresh, simple meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Olive Oil?
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 Olive Oil?
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 Olive Oil 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 Olive Oil 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.
