Adverb-Infused Pasta with Tomato Basil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

A simple pasta dish where fresh tomatoes and basil create a vibrant sauce that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. This Italian pasta recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner. 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 "Build a week of meals around this recipe" 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 spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cups diced tomatoes to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt, and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
4. Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 2 cups tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup chopped basil until evenly coated and glossy.