One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne

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

A simple, hearty pasta dish simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce with garlic and herbs. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Stir to combine, then add 2 cups water. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne 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 Penne?

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 Basil Penne?

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 Penne 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 Penne?

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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