One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
A quick, weeknight-friendly pasta dish where everything cooks together in one pot. The pasta simmers in a savory tomato broth, absorbing all the flavor, and gets finished with fresh basil for a bright, aromatic touch. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Place a large Dutch oven or a wide, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients
- b.Add the uncooked linguine to the pot, breaking it in half if necessary to fit.
- c.Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- d.Stir everything thoroughly with tongs to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Pasta
- b.Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a gap for steam to escape.
- d.Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (check package directions for specific timing). Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- e.The sauce should thicken as the pasta releases its starches and absorbs the liquid.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil until it is just wilted.
- c.Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- d.Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes; the sauce will continue to thicken slightly.
- e.Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a wide pot like a Dutch oven or a large, deep skillet. This gives the pasta enough room to cook evenly without clumping.
- 2Stirring is crucial, especially in the first few minutes of simmering, to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the pot.
- 3For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano. The simple ingredient list means quality counts.
- 4If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of hot water or broth to loosen it.
- 5Add the fresh basil at the very end to preserve its bright color and fresh aroma. Cooking it for too long will diminish its flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk along with the fresh basil at the end.
Protein PackedProtein-Packed
Make it a heartier meal by adding a can of drained chickpeas or white beans along with the broth. You can also stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate 2-3 cups of fresh spinach or kale during the last 3 minutes of cooking, or add a cup of halved cherry tomatoes along with the crushed tomatoes for extra texture and sweetness.
Spicy Arrabbiata StyleSpicy Arrabbiata Style
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon (or more) and add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for a spicier, more complex flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the pasta provide a steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Immune-Boosting Properties
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Aromatic and Flavorful
Fresh basil not only adds incredible flavor but also contains antioxidants and essential oils that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta contains approximately 590-620 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used and the amount of Parmesan cheese added.