One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple and smooth pasta dish featuring penne cooked in a fragrant garlic and tomato broth, finished with fresh basil for a light Mediterranean touch. This mediterranean-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened to a sauce that coats the pasta.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil?

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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil?

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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil 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 Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Oil 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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