One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Anchovy Umami

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

A deeply savory pasta dish where canned tomatoes and anchovies meld into a rich sauce that coats spaghetti perfectly in a single pot. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 17 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped anchovy fillets, stirring until anchovies dissolve (about 1 minute).
  2. Step 2: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz spaghetti, breaking it into halves. Pour in 2 cups water, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cook for 12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Anchovy Umami take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (10 min prep + 17 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 Pasta with Anchovy Umami?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Anchovy Umami?

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 Pasta with Anchovy Umami 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 Pasta with Anchovy Umami?

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.

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