Garlic Tomato-Basil Pasta
A light, fresh pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic basil, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired noodles ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not let garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat the pasta; cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the strands.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic Tomato-Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Garlic Tomato-Basil 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 Garlic Tomato-Basil 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 Garlic Tomato-Basil Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic Tomato-Basil Pasta?
Italian noodles 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper. The garlic and tomato combo is perfect, and the basil ties it all together. My family asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh basil! Made for my kids and they devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were balanced, but I found the tomatoes a bit too acidic for my taste. Adjusted with a pinch of sugar.
