Sunrise Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfect for summer evenings. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium, diced ripe tomatoes, minced garlic 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
- 4 medium, diced ripe tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. 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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Add 4 diced ripe tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly broken down, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and let sit for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunrise Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise Tomato Basil Pasta?
Italian quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many quick meals recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
