Best Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil
A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish where ripe tomatoes shine, finished with fresh basil and garlic for a burst of summer flavor. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 395 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook 8 oz spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped ripe tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss with tongs for 2-3 minutes, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves until wilted and fragrant, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil 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 Best Simple Tomato Pasta with Basil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
