Pantry-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple, flavorful pasta dish using pantry staples and fresh basil, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (14 oz) can canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add 1 tbsp salt, then add 8 oz spaghetti. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly.
- Step 4: Divide into bowls, top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pantry-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Pantry-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Pantry-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta?
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-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Pantry-Stocked Tomato Basil Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
5 stars for the ease and taste. My go-to when I'm short on fresh ingredients.
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my whole family and they all loved it. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The basil made it fresh.
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