Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs
A vibrant pasta dish with a simple tomato sauce and a burst of fresh basil, finished with a touch of Parmesan for umami depth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
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, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 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, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands and reaches creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs?
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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs?
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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick and tasty! Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of tomato and basil. Made it for my husband and he was impressed.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick dinner. The fresh basil made all the difference.
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