Few things in life are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of pasta, especially when it comes together in just one pot! This One-Pot Pasta with Tomato and Basil is my secret weapon for those busy nights when I want something comforting but don’t want a pile of dishes. Everything cooks together, melding the flavors into a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce—without the fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot wonder delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand!
- One Pot, Less Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot, making dinnertime a breeze.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a few pantry staples, you get a satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, proteins, or pasta shapes.
- Deliciously Creamy Without Heavy Cream: Starchy pasta water creates a naturally rich sauce.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for serving)
Pro Tips
- Use a wide, deep pan or Dutch oven to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
- Stir frequently to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Reserve extra basil and parmesan for topping—it makes a big flavor difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Pour in the broth, then add the uncooked pasta. Push the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and grated parmesan.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and basil if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta—it continues cooking in the residual heat.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage towards the end.
- For Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter at the end.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Zesty Upgrade: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors.
- Pesto Twist: Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving.
- Serve with Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu pairs beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries! You can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil or simply garnish with parsley.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Recipe Card
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté garlic.
- Add cherry tomatoes, seasoning, and oregano; cook until softened.
- Pour in broth and add pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in basil and parmesan.
- Let sit for a few minutes before serving with extra toppings.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo, tag me on social media, and don’t forget to leave a comment below. Let’s keep the kitchen conversation going—happy cooking!
