Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil

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

Lightly sautéed garlic in olive oil tossed with al dente linguine and fragrant basil creates a simple yet flavorful Italian pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs linguine pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: While the 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 crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1 tsp salt. Toss everything together, adding up to 1 cup reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil 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 Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil?

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 linguine pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil?

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 Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil 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 Linguine with Garlic-Infused Olive Oil and Fresh Basil 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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