Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes and basil, gently tossed in garlic-infused olive oil to highlight regional produce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 cups diced ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 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 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups diced ripe tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Toss in the drained spaghetti and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves, stirring to combine. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil 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 Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil?
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 Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil?
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 Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil 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 Regional Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil?
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.
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