Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Parsley
A vibrant, quick-cooking pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a bright parsley finish that elevates simple ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp 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, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet, stirring to break up chunks. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, cooking for 1 minute until pasta absorbs flavors. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Parsley take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Parsley?
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 Parsley?
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 Parsley 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Parsley 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
- ★★★★★
I've made it twice this week. The parsley really elevates the dish.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this pasta. The recipe was simple and the flavors were amazing.
- ★★★★★
This was the perfect weeknight dinner! The fresh basil and tomatoes made it taste like a restaurant dish.
