One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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

A hearty, single-pot meal featuring tender pasta enveloped in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce with the deep flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 ounces spaghetti and 2 cups water to the pot. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

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-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

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-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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-Pot Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?

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.

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