Spaghetti with Tomato-Saffron Sauce
A vibrant Italian pasta dish with sun-kissed tomatoes, saffron, and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends Spaghetti, medium (chopped) Tomatoes, (minced) Garlic 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 450 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
- 4 medium (chopped) Tomatoes
- 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 1 tsp Saffron threads
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup (chopped) Basil leaves
- 1/4 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 4 chopped tomatoes and 1 tsp saffron threads, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Toss cooked spaghetti into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Tomato-Saffron Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 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 with Tomato-Saffron 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 with Tomato-Saffron 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 with Tomato-Saffron 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 with Tomato-Saffron 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to general dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
