Sun-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust
A vibrant pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and a delicate herb crust that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 lbs ripe tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Finely chop 1 cup fresh basil leaves, reserving 2 tbsp for garnish.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup vegetable broth, then simmer for 15 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in chopped basil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until flavors meld.
- Step 5: Cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6: Toss drained pasta with tomato sauce until fully coated, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce clings to strands. Serve immediately, garnished with reserved basil and extra lemon zest.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 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 Sun-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust?
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-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust?
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-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust 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-Ripened Tomato Basil Pasta with Herb Crust?
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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
