Sicilian-Style Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

Fresh tomatoes and basil simmered with garlic create a vibrant sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta, evoking the simplicity of a seaside Sicilian kitchen. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 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 520 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 lbs, diced ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add 2 lbs diced ripe tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand and the pasta absorbs the liquid, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy consistency.