Simple Tomato Basil Pasta

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

A classic pasta dish made with canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs dried spaghetti, olive oil, crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 190 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 2 oz dried spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/4 tsp dried oregano, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, and toss until sauce coats the pasta evenly. Serve with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (if using).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Simple Tomato Basil 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 dried spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Tomato Basil 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 Simple Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Simple Tomato Basil Pasta?

Italian quick meals 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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