One Pan Pasta

This One Pan Pasta effortlessly combines your favorite Italian flavors in one pot in less than 30 minutes. It can be paired with nearly any cooked protein! This recipe is like magic, and I give you all my recipe secrets to make sure it's foolproof and delicious every time.

One pot to clean and 30 minutes of your time, this dinner will be quick to become a family favorite. It's with fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic that yields an incredible silky and savory pasta sauce. The noodles absorb the flavors as it all comes together in one dish.

My favorite thing about this meal is that it can be served by itself, as a side dish, or alongside a cooked protein. Some of the meat options that we like to pair with this easy pasta are grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon or shrimp, or lobster tails (if we're feeling slightly fancy).

A couple more one pot pasta recipes we keep in the dinner rotation are my Taco Pasta and One Pot Sausage Pasta! They're both also hearty and simple to make.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Minimal Prep: The simplicity of these ingredients makes the preparation easy and straightforward. One-pot pasta is an excellent dish for cooks of all levels to prepare!
• Convenience: One-pan pasta is a convenient dish because it minimizes the number of dishes used for cooking. Everything is prepared in a single pan, reducing cleanup time.
• Fresh and Vibrant: The addition of fresh basil, tomatoes, and garlic provides a burst of freshness and adds a vibrant color to the dish.
• Versatility: This easy one pot pasta recipe can be served as a side dish or main dish. It can be paired with so many cooked proteins!

Ingredients for One Pan Pasta

Ingredient Amounts Listed on the Recipe Card Below

• Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguini): Serves as the main carbohydrate component, providing the foundation for the dish. It absorbs flavors from the other ingredients.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Contributes a vibrant and juicy base to the sauce. They add sweetness and acidity and break down during cooking, creating a luscious and flavorful sauce.
• Onion: Adds depth and aroma to the dish. The natural sugars enhance the flavors of the sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: It complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and provides a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: They provide a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and adding complexity to the flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Contributes a burst of freshness and a subtle herbal note. It's also used for garnish as a pop of color.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dish and helps coat the spaghetti and other ingredients, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Along with the water, it serves as the liquid base for the sauce. The chicken broth infuses the pasta with savory umami flavors. It helps cook the spaghetti and ensures a well-seasoned, cohesive dish.

Pro Tip: To make sure this recipe works every single time, the ratio of liquid to noodles is most important. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions and toss the pasta frequently.

Tools You'll Need

• Large Skillet
• Garlic Slicer (optional)
• Silicone Tongs
• Rotary Cheese Grater (optional)
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife

How to Make Easy One Pot Pasta

1. Combine broth, water, spaghetti, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Stir and fold the mixture frequently until pasta is al dente and liquid has nearly evaporated, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Taste and adjust seasonings to preference. Serve garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and/or shredded Parmesan cheese. Top with a cooked protein if desired.

Pro Tips for Recipe Success

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality tomatoes, basil, and olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjust Liquid Amounts: Monitor the liquid levels while cooking. If the pasta appears too dry, add a bit more chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Choose the Right Pot: Use a pot or skillet large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients comfortably. This allows for even cooking and prevents overflow.
• Seasoning: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional herbs or spices for extra flavor.
• Experiment with Additional Ingredients: Customize your one-pot pasta by adding vegetables, protein (chicken, shrimp, or sausage), or grated cheese for variety.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or other herbs just before serving to add a burst of freshness.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the spaghetti and heat level. Check the pasta for doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Finish with Olive Oil: Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish for added richness and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if you prefer a lighter option.
• Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes instead of fresh ones. You can also experiment with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
• Basil: If fresh basil is not available, use dried basil. Alternatively, try other fresh herbs like parsley.
• Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil with another cooking oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. For added richness, consider using flavored oils like garlic-infused olive oil.
• Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium broth if you are watching your sodium intake.

What to Serve with Easy One Pot Pasta

This pasta is amazing served simply by itself. However, it's also excellent served with a protein pairing like Easy Chicken Parmesan, Beef and Sausage Meatballs, or Poor Man's Lobster. We also love to serve it with a simple side salad and bread toasted with garlic spread.

Another delicious pasta dish that these items go great with is this Vegetable Pasta Bake!

Storage and Freezing

Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. If you plan to consume it within a few days, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing: It's best to consume this dish fresh or from the refrigerator as freezing impacts the texture. However, you can still freeze it and consume it safely. Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags for freezing.

• For optimal quality, consume frozen leftovers within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating and add broth, water, butter, and/or olive oil if the pasta appears to be dry and needing additional moisture.

Reheating Leftovers: Reheat individual portions as needed. Use a stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a little chicken broth, water, butter, and/or olive oil if it appears to be dry and needing additional moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Pasta Recipes to Try

• Chicken Pasta Bake
• Cajun Alfredo Pasta
• Philly Cheesteak Pasta
• Sun-dried Tomato Caper Pasta