One-Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti

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

A weeknight staple with spaghetti simmered in a fragrant tomato-basil sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, small onion 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 ounces spaghetti, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and stir to submerge. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Spaghetti?

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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti?

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 Spaghetti 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 Spaghetti?

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

Related recipes