Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta
Simple yet flavorful Italian pasta tossed in a fresh tomato and basil sauce reminiscent of classic dishes from Franchesco’s Ristorante. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups, chopped ripe plum tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin 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 4 cups chopped ripe plum tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Stir in the torn 1 cup fresh basil leaves and add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, tossing lightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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 Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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.
