Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend

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

A simple pasta dish where herbs are added to taste, celebrating the personal choice in 'best' without needing 'the'. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz diced tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, then toss with 1/4 cup chopped basil and 2 tbsp chopped oregano until evenly distributed. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed to moisten.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend?

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 Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend?

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 Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend 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 Rustic Tomato-Pasta with Adjustable Herb Blend 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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