Pantry-Style Tomato Pasta
A quick, comforting pasta dish made entirely from pantry staples with a rich, simmered tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and translucent, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a glossy consistency. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pantry-Style Tomato 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 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 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 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 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
