Budget-Style Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish with fresh tomatoes and basil, ready in under 30 minutes using pantry staples. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely chopped diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped diced onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add drained spaghetti to the saucepan and toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand. If too thick, add more pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
- Step 5: Divide into bowls and top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget-Style Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Budget-Style 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 Budget-Style 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 Budget-Style 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.
Is Budget-Style Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
