Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta dish made entirely from pantry staples, featuring a vibrant tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs and minimal effort. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends spaghetti, can diced tomatoes, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and golden at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and the garlic turns golden.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice) and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and season with salt to taste. Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, then add spaghetti to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes until coated.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick, then serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce?

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 Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pantry Raid Pasta with Herb-Infused Tomato Sauce?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes