Family Recipe Box Tomato Basil Pasta
A comforting, kid-approved pasta dish featuring a simple tomato-basil sauce, inspired by the rise of family cooking during the homeschooling era. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 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 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the saucepan with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats every strand. Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Family Recipe Box Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Family Recipe Box 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 Family Recipe Box 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 Family Recipe Box 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.
What goes well with Family Recipe Box Tomato Basil Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
