Pantry-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil
A simple, comforting pasta dish made with pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes and canned tomatoes for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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 pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then add drained pasta and 1/4 cup chopped basil, tossing to coat evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pantry-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil 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-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pantry-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil?
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-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil 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.
Is Pantry-Style Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
