Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti
A simple yet vibrant pasta dish with garlicky tomatoes and fresh basil, ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic 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 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, adding 1 teaspoon salt. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a light coating.
- Step 5: Divide among plates and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti?
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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti?
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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Spaghetti?
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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a winner. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the sauce was just right. My kids even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple and delicious. The tomato sauce was rich and the basil gave it that fresh kick.
- ★★★★★
The flavors were perfect! My family loved it, especially the fresh basil. Will make again.
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