Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce
Classic Italian spaghetti lightly coated in a fresh tomato sauce with garlic and basil for a simple, flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends spaghetti pasta, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the tomato sauce along with 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce?
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 Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce 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.
Is Spaghetti Tossed in Rustic Tomato and Basil Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
