One-Pot Tomato Basil Linguine
A vibrant pasta dish simmered in a fresh tomato-basil sauce with no extra pots to clean, ideal for busy weeknights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, small, finely chopped onion 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 linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1 minute until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Linguine 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 Tomato Basil Linguine?
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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Linguine?
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 Basil Linguine 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Tomato Basil Linguine?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.