Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta

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

A comforting 20-minute pasta dish featuring canned tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for last-minute meals. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 90 seconds until fragrant and just golden—do not brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to saucepan, tossing with tongs to coat. Add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency, about 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Pantry-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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.

What goes well with Pantry-Style Tomato Basil Pasta?

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.

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