Spaghetti Tossed in Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce

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

Classic Italian spaghetti coated in a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce enriched with fresh basil and garlic for a balanced, comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 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 and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 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 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmer for 6-7 minutes until sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil to the sauce along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to strands.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Spicy Tomato and Basil Sauce 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 Spaghetti Tossed in Spicy 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti Tossed in Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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