Two-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta
A simple pasta dish featuring two vibrant tomato sauces—sun-dried tomato and fresh basil—tossed with al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup packed fresh basil to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften. Toss with drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until sauce clings to noodles, then sprinkle with 1 tbsp pine nuts.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Two-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 Two-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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 Two-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta 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.
Is Two-Tone Tomato and Basil Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
