One-Pot Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce
A hearty, comforting one-pot spaghetti dish simmered in a rich roasted garlic tomato sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes blends ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, whole garlic heads 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 520 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 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 whole garlic heads
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the tops off 2 whole garlic heads, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the heads into the skillet, then stir in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Break 12 ounces spaghetti in half and add to the pot, pushing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to coat the spaghetti.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with extra cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 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 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 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 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.
