One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Garlic
A simple, flavorful penne pasta dish simmered in a fresh tomato and basil sauce with garlic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice and 3 cups vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Stir in 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with Garlic 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 with 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Penne with 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 Penne with 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 Penne with 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight. So simple and delicious!
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! Easy one-pot meal that even the picky eaters enjoyed.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for my family and they all devoured it.
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