Sweet Pea Tomato Basil Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple tomato-basil pasta with a touch of honey and sweet peas—colorful, naturally sweet, and perfect for little ones. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs fusilli pasta, crushed tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fusilli pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup frozen peas, and cook for 5 minutes until peas are tender and sauce has reduced slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant and honey is fully dissolved.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained fusilli to the saucepan and toss for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, with extra Parmesan on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Pea Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sweet Pea 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 fusilli pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Pea 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 Sweet Pea 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 Sweet Pea 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.

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