Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic
Simple yet flavorful pasta tossed with fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a bright, authentic Italian taste. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic cloves
- 4 medium ripe plum tomatoes
- 1 cup, loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, finely mince 5 garlic cloves. Dice 4 ripe plum tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Tear 1 cup fresh basil leaves roughly.
- Step 3: Heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a light sauce.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and the torn basil leaves. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to combine and allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and coating the pasta evenly. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and 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 Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and 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 Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and 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 Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and 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 Italian Pasta Primi with Tomato, Basil, and 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.
