Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil
Al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant garlic-infused olive oil sauce with fresh tomatoes and basil for a light and flavorful Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated, for serving Parmesan cheese
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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 5 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges are just golden — avoid burning.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss gently with 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a bright, zesty finish.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil 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 Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic 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.
Is Zesty Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Olive Oil 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.
