Pasta with Sautéed Tomatoes and Basil
A simple, fresh pasta dish featuring ripe tomatoes sautéed with garlic and basil, tossed with cooked pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and drained pasta. Toss with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 with Sautéed Tomatoes 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 with Sautéed Tomatoes 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 with Sautéed Tomatoes 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 with Sautéed Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved how the tomatoes caramelized. Served with a little parmesan and it was divine.
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious! My family loved the fresh basil and tomatoes. Made it for dinner and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to pasta recipe. The flavors are bright and it's ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights.
