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One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

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This One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick, affordable, and flavorful meal made with simple ingredients—all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers rich tomato flavor, aromatic garlic, and the freshness of basil in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 350g spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free alternative

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients:
    Slice the onion thinly, mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the basil. Set everything aside before beginning to cook.
  2. Add all ingredients to the pot:
    In a large deep pot or Dutch oven, place the uncooked pasta in the center.
    Add sliced onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Pour in the broth and oil:
    Add the vegetable broth or water over the ingredients. Drizzle in the olive oil.
  4. Bring to a boil:
    Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring everything to a rolling boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  5. Simmer and cook:
    Once boiling, reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Continue cooking uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring regularly, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has turned into a creamy sauce.
  6. Check doneness:
    Test the pasta for doneness. If still too firm, cook for an additional 1–2 minutes while stirring. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small splash of hot water and stir gently.
  7. Add basil and finish:
    Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped basil while the pasta is hot so the flavors infuse evenly. Optionally, sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.

Notes

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.

Add cooked turkey bacon, chicken, or sautéed vegetables to enhance the dish.

For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or dairy-free cream at the end.

To serve cold, let the pasta cool and refrigerate. It makes a great chilled pasta salad the next day.