Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne
A fresh penne pasta tossed in a bright tomato and basil sauce, inspired by the ease of visual editing and seamless formatting. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and add the drained pasta along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to combine and create a light sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the pasta. Toss again until cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne 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 Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne?
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 Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne 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.
Is Visual Editor Tomato Basil Penne vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
