Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish

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

A simple, fresh pasta dish made with ripe tomatoes and a generous amount of basil, perfect for summer evenings. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 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 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown the garlic).
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced, to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats the pasta and thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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 with Fresh Herb Garnish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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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