Pasta with Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-13 · Updated 2026-04-13

A simple pasta tossed in a tangy balsamic reduction and fresh basil, perfect for a quick weeknight meal that balances acidity with herbaceous freshness. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (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 450 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and syrupy.
4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
5. Step 5: Divide among plates, top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and serve.