Spaghetti Tossed in Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan

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

Classic spaghetti coated in a bright tomato basil sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This Italian recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, blends spaghetti, salt, olive oil 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

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 uncovered for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and then drain the pasta.
  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 red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz crushed canned tomatoes and simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute to evenly coat the pasta with sauce.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing gently to combine before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti Tossed in Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan?

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 Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan?

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 Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan 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 Tomato Basil Sauce with Parmesan?

Italian italian 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

Related recipes