Superlative Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish where sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil create the best-tasting sauce without any extra ingredients. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 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 420 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
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freshly 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: While pasta cooks, core and finely chop 2 lbs ripe tomatoes. Finely chop 1/2 cup fresh basil and mince 4 garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add chopped tomatoes to skillet, season with 1 tsp salt, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in chopped basil and cooked spaghetti, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water at a time until sauce coats strands evenly.
- Step 6: Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Superlative 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 Superlative 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 Superlative 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 Superlative 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.
Is Superlative Tomato Basil Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
