A simple and delicious pasta dish that can be made in no time. This quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It features spaghetti tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic and red pepper flakes. Top it off with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Sometimes, the best dinners are the simplest. When the day gets hectic and time is short, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to bring everything back into balance. This quick spaghetti with tomato sauce is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something satisfying and full of flavor.
What makes this dish a go-to weeknight favorite is its effortless preparation. In the time it takes to boil water and cook the pasta, the sauce comes together in one pan. A gentle sauté of garlic in olive oil sets the foundation, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, let it simmer briefly, and you’ve got a sauce that’s rich, vibrant, and incredibly fragrant.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Keep it simple for a minimalist meal, or dress it up with extras like olives, capers, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. If you have leftover veggies or a bit of cooked sausage in the fridge, toss them in for added texture and heartiness. No matter what, a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves will elevate the dish to something that feels special, even on the busiest of nights.
Spaghetti is the classic choice here, but this sauce works well with penne, linguine, or any pasta shape you prefer. The key is in the balance of flavors — the sweetness of the tomatoes, the subtle bite of garlic, and the bold kick from chili flakes. It’s a combination that always hits the spot.
Serve this pasta hot, with a slice of crusty bread or a light green salad on the side. It’s cozy, comforting, and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp basil chopped fresh
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated with the tomato sauce.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Pretty good for a weeknight. My only issue was the sauce felt a little thin, so next time I’ll simmer it 10 minutes instead of 5.
Just okay, needed more ingredients like meat or veggies. This is just pasta with tomatoes, smh.
I dunno, it was kinda bland for my taste. Needs more spices or something.
I totally get what you’re saying! A little more seasoning could really amp this dish up. Maybe some Italian herbs? 🍝
Bland? Really? I thought it was good! Maybe you just don’t like simple flavors. 🤷♂️
Not bad for a quick meal, but I prefer my mom’s recipe. No competition!
I get that! Nothing beats mom’s cooking. But this recipe is super easy for busy days!
I followed the recipe but the sauce was too tangy for me. Maybe less tomatoes next time.
This pasta is sooo good! Super easy to make. I added some chicken and it was a hit!
I tried it too! With chicken, right? Honestly didn’t care for it that much. The sauce wasn’t saucy enough for me.
This dish is amazing!! I made it for my family and they loved it just like you said! 🌟
This was so quick and easy! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. 😍
So good! I added chicken and it was a hit at dinner. Thanks for the easy recipe!
Honestly, super basic. My grandma makes better with just jar sauce! lol.
It was okay. I think 5 minutes wasn’t enough for the tomatoes to really cook down, so it tasted a little “canned” to me.
Perfect for a lazy evening! My kiddos loved it too!
Simple but delicious! Even my kids ate it without complaints. Win!
This recipe is super easy! I made it for dinner and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Why do u need fancy ingredients? Just boil the spaghetti n throw sauce on it. Easy peasy.
This was super easy to make! The garlic really pops. I’ll definitely make it again. 😍
Ugh, too much garlic for me. Next time I’ll cut it down.
But garlic is the best part! Without it, what’s the point? Seems like you just don’t like it 😅.
I love garlic, but I guess everyone has their taste! Maybe try adding some more cheese next time to balance it out?
Nice and quick! I might add some olives next time for a different twist. Thanks for sharing!
Isn’t pasta just flour and water? How can it be so fancy? 🤔
Honestly the garlic burned on my first try. I think one minute is too long on high heat—lower it and watch it like a hawk.
Pasta? yes! Easy? also yes! Great recipe!
Made it tonight and it hit the spot. I followed it pretty much exactly, but I used dried basil since that’s what I had—still tasty.
It was okay… but I think I burnt the garlic. Don’t know if I did it right but tasted bitter.
I’m impressed with how few ingredients you need. The parmesan at the end is clutch. 10/10 comfort food.
Why do people even put tomatoes in pasta? 🤨
Tomatoes add flavor and moisture, that’s why they’re there! 😋
This recipe is so simple and quick! My family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Just a warning, if u don’t like spicy, use less pepper flakes. It was a bit much for me.
Not bad, but the garlic could be toned down. Mine got a little strong and I’m not sure if I burned it or just used too much.
I don’t know… it seemed kinda bland. Maybe more salt next time?
Eh… spaghetti with canned tomatoes is nothing special. Also I forgot to mince the garlic and just chopped it coarsely—still okay though.
Pretty good, but I think 5 minutes for the sauce is too short. It tasted a little tinny to me, so next time I’d simmer longer.