Quick Tomato Basil Garlic Pasta Dinner
Whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes with this Quick Tomato Basil Garlic Pasta Dinner. Brimming with fresh, vibrant flavors, this easy weeknight recipe pairs al dente spaghetti with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a light yet satisfying dish. A drizzle of olive oil ties everything together, while optional red pepper flakes add a hint of spice. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients, yet delivers maximum flavor. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of indulgence, and enjoy a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in a flash!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the halved tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Season the tomato mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes, tossing well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
312 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.1 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 486 mg | 21% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 12.1 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 351 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
