Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle

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

A vibrant pasta dish where a simple tomato-basil sauce clings perfectly to strands, enhanced with a bright fresh herb finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in canned tomatoes, salt, and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Add grated cheese, stirring until melted and sauce coats strands evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in remaining fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately with extra cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle?

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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle?

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 Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle 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 Seamless Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Drizzle 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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