Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions

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

A simple pasta dish where equal portions of fresh tomato and basil create a bright, herbaceous sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends spaghetti, diced fresh tomatoes, chopped fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups diced fresh tomatoes and 1.5 cups chopped fresh basil. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and basil wilts. Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions?

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 Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions 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 Two-Part Tomato Basil Spaghetti with Equal Sauce Proportions?

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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