One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce
A no-fuss pasta dish simmered with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil for a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal in one pan. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion 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 400 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce coats pasta evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil Sauce?
Italian one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to one pot dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
