One-Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Penne
A vibrant pasta dish simmered in a spicy tomato sauce with fresh basil, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 2: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 3 cups vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the boiling sauce, stirring to submerge completely. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately with extra basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Tomato Basil Penne?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Penne?
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 Spicy Tomato Basil Penne 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 Spicy Tomato Basil Penne 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.
