Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic
A light, vibrant pasta dish where ripe tomatoes and fresh basil mingle with garlic in a simple olive oil base, clinging perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, finely minced 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, finely minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
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; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt; simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup fresh basil, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and cheese melts.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic?
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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic?
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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Garlic 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
