Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato Pasta

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

A true Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and just three essential ingredients for perfect simplicity. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces 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 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand) to the skillet, stirring to break them up. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to every strand, adding more pasta water if too dry.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Serve immediately with additional basil for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato 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 Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato 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 Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato Pasta 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 Authentic Basil-Infused Tomato Pasta?

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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