Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta
A simple, bright pasta dish featuring Denver's signature Pineapple Gold Tomatoes and garden-fresh basil in a light garlic-herb sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Pineapple Gold Tomatoes, Spaghetti, Fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 1.5 cups Pineapple Gold Tomatoes
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, dice 1.5 cups Pineapple Gold Tomatoes into 1/4-inch cubes and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add tomatoes to skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and release juices, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup minced basil and 1/2 tsp salt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta 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 Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta?
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 pineapple gold tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta?
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 Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta 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 Pineapple Gold Tomato & Basil Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
