Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant weeknight pasta featuring a simple tomato sauce bursting with fresh basil and golden garlic, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan for creamy perfection. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 40 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 620 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup packed fresh basil to the sauce and stir until wilted. Toss in drained spaghetti, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce coats strands evenly.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic?

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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic?

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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic 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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Pasta with Crispy Garlic 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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