Simple Tomato-Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil
A true representation of Italian home cooking using only fresh, seasonal ingredients without unnecessary embellishments. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, thinly sliced 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Tomato-Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 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 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 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.
What goes well with Simple Tomato-Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
