Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a touch of Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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 with Fresh Herbs?

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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 Herbs 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 with Fresh Herbs?

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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