Simple Basil and Tomato Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

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 recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving

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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

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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.