Tomato Basil Stovetop Pasta with Fresh Herbs

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

Creamy pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce, finished with garden-fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce clings evenly to pasta and reaches a creamy consistency.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato Basil Stovetop 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 Stovetop 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Basil Stovetop 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 Stovetop 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 Stovetop 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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