Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta
A rustic, one-pot pasta dish with slow-simmered tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for using pantry tomatoes at their peak. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Mix until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden. Season with salt and pepper.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta?
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 Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta?
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 Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta 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 Tomato-Basil Oven-Baked Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
So easy for meal prep! I doubled the basil and roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. Flawless.
- ★★★★★
My mom requested this for Sunday dinner. The oven-baking made it so aromatic—worth every minute!
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! So simple and packed with fresh flavors. Will be a weekly staple.
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