Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, simmered to perfection in a light herb-infused sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt), 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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to release juices and soften.
- Step 5: Add 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1 cup torn basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 6: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with reserved pasta water (2-3 tbsp at a time) until sauce clings evenly to the pasta.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil 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 Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil 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 Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil 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 Summer Heirloom Tomato & Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
