Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, comforting one-pot pasta cooked directly in a fresh tomato and garlic sauce infused with basil and olive oil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, (halved) cherry tomatoes, (thinly sliced) garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti (broken in half), 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), and 4 cups vegetable broth.
  2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a flavorful sauce.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil or Parmesan if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?

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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?

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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic?

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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