Classic Italian Garlic Tomato Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish with al dente spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic and tomato sauce, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 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 410 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 spaghetti
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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 (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with remaining 1/2 tsp salt if needed. Serve immediately.