Third-Flavor Tomato Basil Pasta

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

A simple yet vibrant pasta dish featuring a quick tomato-basil sauce that highlights fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes. This italian-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, yellow onion 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant without browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings evenly to the pasta and achieves a creamy texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Third-Flavor 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 Third-Flavor 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 Third-Flavor 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 Third-Flavor 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 Third-Flavor 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.

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