Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat
Fresh tomatoes and basil create a vibrant sauce that cooks gently on the stove, preserving delicate flavors. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, 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 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 pasta
- 2 cups, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
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, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced tomatoes and cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down into a sauce.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Toss over low heat for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta, adding more pasta water if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat?
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 Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat?
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 Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta Simmered at Low Heat?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made this for my husband's birthday and he said it was the best pasta he's ever had. Simple and elegant.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my weeknight dinners. The low simmer made the tomatoes so rich and the basil flavor perfect. My kids even ate it without complaining!
- ★★★★☆
Good recipe, but I wish the basil was more pronounced. Maybe I should have added more fresh basil.
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