One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Zucchini
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender zucchini ribbons and sweet cherry tomatoes in a simple tomato basil sauce, perfect for picky eaters. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium zucchini (thinly sliced into ribbons) and cook for 4 minutes until tender but still crisp, then add 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet; simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) and the drained spaghetti, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, optionally sprinkled with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Zucchini 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 Zucchini?
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 Zucchini?
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 Zucchini 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Zucchini?
Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy weeknights—pasta cooked perfectly and basil gave it that fresh Italian touch.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this! The zucchini made it feel healthy without them noticing.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the simplicity, but zucchini took 10 minutes longer than the recipe said.
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