Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bright lemon finish that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 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 680 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.

★ 3.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt per gallon of water). Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. 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 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the sauce. Stir well and remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce coats the strands evenly (about 3 tbsp total).
  6. Step 6: Transfer to plates, top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with remaining lemon zest before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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.

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