One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Sauté
A simple, flavorful pasta dish combining al dente penne with a fresh tomato and basil sauce, brightened by garlic and olive oil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the simmering tomato mixture. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Garlic Sauté take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sauté?
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 Sauté?
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 Sauté 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 Sauté 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.
