The Best Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple yet vibrant pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a whisper of garlic for a refreshing summer bite. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced ripe tomatoes, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 diced ripe tomatoes and 1/2 cup chopped basil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir to coat.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
