Tomato Basil Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti
A bright, simple tomato sauce simmered with fresh basil and garlic, tossed with whole wheat spaghetti for hearty comfort. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, canned crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup fresh basil and drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss vigorously with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water for 2 minutes until sauce coats the pasta evenly and becomes glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Basil Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Basil Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti?
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 Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti 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 Sugo with Whole Wheat Spaghetti?
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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for healthy weeknight dinners. The basil was fresh and aromatic!
- ★★★★★
The whole wheat pasta held up perfectly with the rich tomato sauce. My family loved it!
- ★★★★☆
The sauce was good but the whole wheat spaghetti took way longer to cook than the package said.
