Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant Italian-inspired pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with a touch of garlic and olive oil for a taste of the Mediterranean. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced ripe tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 cups, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and become slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, tossing for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp sea salt and additional basil to taste, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Translingual Tomato Basil Pasta?
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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
