One-Pot Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce
A comforting Italian pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti simmered with a savory roasted garlic and tomato sauce in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Break 12 oz spaghetti in half and add to the skillet, pressing them down gently so they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and the sauce thickens enough to coat the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce?
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 Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce?
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 Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce 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 Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic and Tomato Sauce 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.
