Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic
A vibrant, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and a garlic-infused olive oil that comes together in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 sliced garlic cloves and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp salt. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup chopped basil, stirring until sauce clings to pasta (add more pasta water if too dry).
- Step 5: Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and top with extra basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Best-Ever Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
