Six-Serving Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple, vibrant pasta dish with fresh tomato sauce and fragrant basil, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs dried spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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 dried spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz dried spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with garlic. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tsp kosher salt.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand and reaches a glossy consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Six-Serving Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Six-Serving 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 Six-Serving 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 Six-Serving Tomato Basil Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Six-Serving Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe made the most amazing pasta for my date night! The sauce was rich and full of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland, but I added a pinch of sugar to balance the tomatoes.
- ★★★★☆
Took longer than expected to cook the pasta al dente, but the sauce was delicious.
