Simple Tomato-Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

A true representation of Italian home cooking using only fresh, seasonal ingredients without unnecessary embellishments. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
• 1/2 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of well-salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 90 seconds until garlic turns golden but not brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of starchy cooking water. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is evenly coated. Add 1/2 cup fresh basil and 1 tsp sea salt, then gradually add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until sauce clings to strands like a thin coating.