Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil Sauce

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

Fun-shaped pasta with a bright tomato sauce that's easy for kids to eat without utensils. This italian-inspired kid friendly (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends Spiral pasta, (14 oz) can Canned diced tomatoes, chopped Fresh basil 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 310 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz spiral pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes (with juice) to the saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/4 tsp salt.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to the sauce, tossing until fully coated. If too thick, add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to reach a glossy consistency. Serve warm with extra basil for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil 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 Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil 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 Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil Sauce 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 Pasta 'Squiggles' with Tomato Basil Sauce 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.

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