One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic
A simple one-pot pasta dish where spaghetti cooks directly in a savory tomato and herb broth for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated (optional) parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 12 oz dry spaghetti, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and broth is mostly absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese if using. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to thicken.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Spaghetti with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic?
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 Spaghetti with Tomato, Basil, and Garlic?
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 Tomato, Basil, and Garlic 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 Tomato, Basil, and Garlic 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.
