Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil
A simple yet flavorful one-pot pasta cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil and garlic, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, canned crushed tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti, 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 4 cups water, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 9-11 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened and coats the noodles.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until fragrant and well combined.
- Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with additional basil leaves or grated Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 and Olive Oil?
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 and Olive Oil?
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 and Olive Oil 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 and Olive Oil?
Italian one pot 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.
