Proxy List Pasta
A vibrant tomato basil pasta with a simple, fresh sauce that comes together in 20 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1 tsp salt to the water). Cook 12 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat. Cook for 1 minute until sauce clings to pasta. If too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Proxy List Pasta 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 Proxy List 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 Proxy List 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 Proxy List 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 Proxy List 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
