Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
Pasta shaped into classic 8-bit game controller forms, tossed in a vibrant tomato basil sauce for a nostalgic, playful meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, garlic 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 410 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes), then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt; simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats each piece and the basil is evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Game Controller Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this game are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
