Sicilian Tomato & Herb Pasta
A vibrant, sun-ripened tomato sauce kissed with fresh basil and garlic, served over al dente spaghetti to honor Sicilian coastal traditions. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, core and dice 2 lbs ripe tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the tomato sauce with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, adding more water as needed to create a glossy coating. Stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil until wilted and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian Tomato & Herb Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Sicilian Tomato & Herb 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 Sicilian Tomato & Herb 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 Sicilian Tomato & Herb 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.
What goes well with Sicilian Tomato & Herb Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
