Simple Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil
A light pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil tossed in fragrant olive oil for an effortless Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, 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 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
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp for pasta water plus 1 tsp for sauce salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly grated (optional) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook 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. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and 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 Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and 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 Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and 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 Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and 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 Italian Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and 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.
