Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring a rich tomato-basil sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, ready in 32 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 32 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, oil-packed, drained sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped basil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp, toasted pine nuts
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and 3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes (drained), sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce clings to strands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 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 Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 Simmered Tomato-Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Italian one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick dinner. The basil gave a fresh note that balanced the tomato richness.
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the tomato-basil pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes. It's healthy and tasty at the same time!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! I'll be making it every week. So simple and delicious.
