Budget-Friendly Tomato and Basil Pasta
A simple and delicious pasta dish made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) pairs simple pantry staples for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving is portion-balanced 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.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Step 3: Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.,Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.,Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.,Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and reserved pasta water.
- Step 7: Toss to combine.
- Step 8: Serve with optional Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
Is Budget-Friendly Tomato and Basil Pasta weeknight-friendly?
Yes — the recipe uses one main pan and finishes in under 45 minutes for most cooks. Read through the ingredient list and prep your aromatics before turning on the heat to keep the timing tight.
How do I store leftover Budget-Friendly Tomato and 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 the main ingredient from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Tomato and 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 Budget-Friendly Tomato and 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.
Is Budget-Friendly Tomato and Basil Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
