Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with Garlic
A minimalist pasta dish where ripe tomatoes and garlic shine without unnecessary additions. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs Spaghetti, medium, chopped Ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 4 medium, chopped Ripe tomatoes
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 4 chopped ripe tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly, then add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy texture.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with Garlic 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta with Garlic?
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
- ★★★★★
Amazing flavor, my family loved it!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy weeknights.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple and delicious.
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