One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

A simple one-pot pasta dish where spaghetti cooks directly in a fresh tomato and garlic sauce, absorbing all the flavors for a satisfying weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
• 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
3. Step 3: Add 12 oz dry spaghetti and 4 cups vegetable broth to the skillet, pushing the pasta down so it is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.