Simple Basil and Tomato Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
A straightforward pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and basil in a light olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) 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 480 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
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp for pasta water + 1/2 tsp for sauce salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated (optional) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling 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 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 cloves thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Serve immediately with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Basil and Tomato 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 Simple Basil and Tomato 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 Simple Basil and Tomato 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 Simple Basil and Tomato 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.
Is Simple Basil and Tomato Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil 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.
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