One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Frozen Veggies
A simple, hearty pasta dish where tender spaghetti melds with a rich tomato sauce and a vibrant mix of frozen vegetables, all cooked in one pot for effortless weeknight dining. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp dried basil, then add 1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are heated through.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until sauce coats the pasta, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Frozen Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Frozen Veggies?
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 Frozen Veggies?
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 Frozen Veggies 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 Frozen Veggies?
Italian one pot 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
- ★★★★★
So simple and satisfying! The basil really brightened up the dish. My go-to for busy nights.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! One pot, minimal cleanup, and my kids ate all the veggies. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This was so easy and the whole family loved it! The frozen veggies added a nice touch without extra work.
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