General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light Italian pasta tossed in fragrant garlic oil with fresh tomatoes and basil for a bright, simple dinner. 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 420 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp black pepper and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil 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 General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil?

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 General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil?

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 General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil 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 General Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Oil 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.

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