One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil
A simple, hearty pasta dish baked with a rich tomato sauce and fresh herbs, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 8 oz spaghetti to the skillet, breaking it into pieces if necessary, and stir to coat with the sauce. Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Remove from oven, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 One-Pan Baked Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
I'm making this every week now. The recipe is foolproof and full of flavor.
- ★★★★★
Best one-pan meal I've made in a long time. The tomatoes were perfectly roasted.
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate their vegetables with this pasta. So simple and delicious.
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