Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic

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

A simple yet elegant pasta dish featuring housegrown basil and garlic, finished with a silky olive oil emulsion. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Fresh basil leaves, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tsp kosher salt. Add 8 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, combine 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Use a mortar and pestle to grind until smooth and vibrant green, creating a fragrant basil oil.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the basil oil and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic?

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 Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic?

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 Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Herb-Infused Basil Pasta with Garlic 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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