Spaghetti Tossed in Spiced Tomato and Basil Sauce

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

Classic spaghetti simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce infused with garlic, crushed red pepper, and fresh basil for a comforting Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, then add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer over low heat for 8 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the sauce, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained spaghetti into the sauce along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, stirring for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Spiced Tomato and Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Spiced Tomato and Basil Sauce?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti Tossed in Spiced 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 Spiced 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.

What goes well with Spaghetti Tossed in Spiced Tomato and Basil Sauce?

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.

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