Quick Tomato Basil Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, 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 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add basil, 1/4 tsp salt, and red pepper flakes; cook 2 minutes until tomatoes release their juices.
  3. Step 3: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with sauce, adding 1-2 tbsp reserved pasta water to create a glossy coating. Stir in Parmesan and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Quick 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick 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 Quick 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 Quick 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.

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