Sautéed Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes
A simple, flavorful pasta dish featuring al dente noodles tossed in a fragrant tomato-garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 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 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 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: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Cook for 1 minute until the pasta is heated through.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes?
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 Sautéed Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes?
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 Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic Pasta with Crushed Tomatoes?
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 was so easy and delicious! My family loved it.
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe, will make again.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but I thought it was slightly bland. Next time I'll add more garlic.
