Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce

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

Al dente spaghetti tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with fresh basil, balancing acidity and sweetness for a classic Italian experience. This Italian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 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 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste, then season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 3/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss again briefly to melt the cheese into the sauce before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce?

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 Pasta with Tomato and 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 with Tomato and 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.

What goes well with Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce?

Italian italian 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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