Tomato Carrot Pasta with Basil
A vibrant pasta dish where grated carrots blend seamlessly into a tomato-basil sauce, offering hidden vegetables in a simple, satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, medium carrot, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook 8 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup grated carrot (from 1 medium carrot) and 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 1/4 cup fresh basil, cooking for 2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated with sauce and heated through for 1 minute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Carrot Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Carrot Pasta with Basil?
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 Carrot Pasta with Basil?
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 Carrot Pasta with Basil 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 Carrot Pasta with Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh basil! Made it for my family and they all asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my kids! The carrots added a nice sweetness to the tomato sauce.
- ★★★★☆
Good recipe, but the tomato sauce was slightly bland for my taste. I added a pinch of sugar to fix it.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
