No-Fuss Tomato and Basil Pasta
A simple Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, ready in under 20 minutes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 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 380 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, optional grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is coated and sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top if using, then toss gently before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Fuss Tomato and Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 No-Fuss Tomato and 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 No-Fuss Tomato and 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 No-Fuss Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 No-Fuss Tomato and Basil Pasta 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.
