Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fun star-shaped pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce made with fresh basil, ideal for kids who love playful food. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes blends star-shaped pasta, olive oil, small, finely diced onion 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 320 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz star-shaped pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta to the saucepan with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is evenly coated and glossy, adding more pasta water if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato 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 Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato 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 Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato 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 Star-Shaped Pasta with Simple Tomato Sauce?

Italian kid friendly 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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