Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
A hearty, affordable dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and fresh basil. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes blends spaghetti, canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium diced onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water 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: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes slightly chunky.
- Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss with cooked spaghetti until well coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce?
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 Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce 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 Budget-Friendly Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce?
Italian vegetarian 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
