Pasta That's Best Without Cheese
A vibrant tomato basil pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs, showcasing how simple ingredients shine without dairy. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced red onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 cups chopped kale, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until kale is tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta That's Best Without Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Pasta That's Best Without Cheese?
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 Pasta That's Best Without Cheese?
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 Pasta That's Best Without Cheese 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 Pasta That's Best Without Cheese vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
