One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, vibrant pasta dish where ripe tomatoes meld with garlic and fresh basil, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tbsp salt, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down into a thick sauce with visible juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved 1 cup pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand and basil wilts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with Basil 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 One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with 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 One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with 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 One-Pan Garlic Tomato Pasta with 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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