Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce
A comforting pasta dish featuring a simple tomato basil sauce and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, 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 520 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling 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: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil to the sauce and stir to combine. Toss with drained pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until glossy. Serve immediately with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil 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 Virtual Hotel Pasta with Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my weeknight dinners! The tomato basil sauce was vibrant and the pasta held its shape perfectly. My kids even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
A true Italian gem. The fresh basil made all the difference—no need for store-bought sauce anymore. Made it for my parents, and they were impressed!
- ★★★★☆
Delicious, but the sauce needed more garlic. I added a clove and it transformed it. Pasta cooked evenly, though it took 20 minutes longer than the recipe said.
