One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
A simple, aromatic pasta dish made with pantry staples and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking 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 for 5 minutes. Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes 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 One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes?
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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes 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.
Is One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The fresh basil and tomato sauce made it feel like a restaurant dish. So easy to make!
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this pasta. It's so simple and flavorful, I'll be making it every week.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a game-changer for weeknight dinners! The garlic and red pepper flakes added the perfect kick, and the sauce came together in minutes.
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