One-Pot Spaghetti with Spicy Tomato Sauce
A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic and chili flakes, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated, for serving Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth, stir to combine.
- Step 4: Break 12 oz spaghetti in half and add to the pot, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Step 8: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Spaghetti with Spicy Tomato Sauce?
Italian pasta 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.
