Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan Pasta
A versatile pasta dish where fresh herbs and cheese create a foolproof sauce that adapts to any pantry staple. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, packed fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until golden and fragrant—do not brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup packed fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Toss in the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats strands evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for sprinkling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan 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 Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan 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 Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan 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 Template-Perfect Herb-Parmesan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
