One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sautéed Garlic
A simple one-pot pasta cooked in a fresh tomato sauce infused with sautéed garlic and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 10 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 5 cloves thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Add 10 oz spaghetti broken in half to the skillet, pressing them down slightly to submerge. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked and liquid reduces to a saucy consistency.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sautéed Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Basil Pasta with Sautéed Garlic?
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 Sautéed Garlic?
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 Sautéed Garlic 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 Basil Pasta with Sautéed Garlic 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My go-to recipe now. I added a splash of red wine to the tomatoes and it elevated the flavor. Even my picky toddler ate it all.
- ★★★★★
Impressed by how fast it came together. The garlic didn't burn at all (I've failed before!), and the pasta absorbed the sauce perfectly. Dinner party approved!
- ★★★★★
Best one-pot pasta I've made! Fresh basil made all the difference. I used cherry tomatoes for sweetness and it was a hit with my vegetarian friends.
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