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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
