Pasta with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion
A delicate pasta dish where a vibrant tomato consommé reveals its herbal essence when gently heated, paired with tender spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, tomato consommé, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups tomato consommé
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups tomato consommé, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the consommé reduces slightly and becomes slightly viscous.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the saucepan. Toss for 2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce clings to the strands, with the basil aroma fully infused.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion 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 with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion?
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 with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion?
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 with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Clear Tomato Consommé and Herb Infusion 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.