Garlic-Infused Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A vibrant, easy-to-make pasta dish with a fresh tomato base and aromatic garlic, ideal for busy weeknights. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 500 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves, minced garlic
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup fresh basil, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.