Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish using pantry staples and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 finely chopped medium onion and cook for 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the tomatoes break down.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and becomes glossy, adding more pasta water if needed. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs 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 Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs?

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 Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs?

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 Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs 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 Economical Tomato & Basil Pasta with Pantry Herbs?

Italian pasta 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.

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