One-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and Basil
A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish cooked in one pot featuring penne pasta simmered in a fragrant garlic tomato sauce with fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Step 2: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the pot, submerging the pasta completely in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/3 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil garnish if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and Basil?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and 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-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and 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.
Is One-Pot Penne with Garlic Tomato Sauce and Basil 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.
