One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Parmesan
A simple one-pot pasta dish combining spaghetti, fresh tomato basil sauce, and Parmesan cheese for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves 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 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, combine 12 oz dry spaghetti, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired for a mild kick, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Parmesan 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 Tomato Basil Sauce and Parmesan?
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 and Parmesan?
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 and Parmesan 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 Sauce and Parmesan 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.
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