Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta
A simple and satisfying Italian pasta dish with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil, tossed in olive oil for a light yet flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 4 medium roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- 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 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 4 diced roma tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, creating a light sauce.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta 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 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.
Is Rustic Italian Tomato and Basil Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The sauce was rich and the pasta cooked just right.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The tomatoes were so fresh and the basil tied it all together.
- ★★★★☆
Made this for date night and it was delicious, though the pasta took a bit longer to cook than the recipe said.
