Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and Basil
A vibrant weeknight pasta dish featuring al dente strands coated in a bright tomato-basil sauce, ready in 25 minutes with no fancy techniques. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 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 and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes to the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand and thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and 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 Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and 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 Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and 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 Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and 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.
What goes well with Pasta Tossed with Fresh Tomato and Basil?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
