Classic Italian Garlic Tomato Pasta
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 (vegetarian) ready in about 20 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 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Italian Garlic Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Classic Italian Garlic 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 Classic Italian Garlic 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 Classic Italian Garlic 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.
Is Classic Italian Garlic Tomato Pasta 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
