One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta 🍅🌿🍝 Bright, Garlicky, and Perfectly Sauced With Fresh Basil and Burst Tomatoes — All in One Pot

This is pantry-friendly pasta wizardry: dry noodles simmered directly with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a touch of olive oil until the sauce thickens and clings to every strand. It’s fast, fresh, and made in one pot — no draining, no fuss, no mess.

Just stir, simmer, and serve.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Base ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2½ cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

To finish

• ½ cup chopped fresh basil (or more to taste)
• ¼–½ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Combine everything
In a large deep skillet or wide saucepan, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion (if using), olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and water/broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2: Simmer uncovered
Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed — about 9–12 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking and help the starch create the sauce.

Step 3: Finish with flavor
Once the sauce is thickened and pasta is tender, remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and grated cheese. Add a splash of balsamic or lemon juice to brighten if desired.

Step 4: Serve hot
Plate immediately with more cheese, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Flavor Variations

• Add a spoonful of pesto at the end
• Stir in baby spinach or arugula just before serving
• Top with burrata or ricotta for creaminess
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor
• Add capers or olives for a Mediterranean punch

Pro Tips

• Stir often while simmering — this activates the starch for a creamy texture
• Cut tomatoes in half for quicker bursting (if fresh)
• Adjust liquid amount based on pasta shape and brand — add more if needed
• If using canned tomatoes, drain them well to avoid watering down the sauce

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a minimalist masterpiece — big flavor, minimal effort, and only one dish to wash. It’s bright, herby, garlicky, and weeknight-perfect, whether you keep it simple or add your own flair.

Simmer it. Swirl it. Let the pot do the magic. 🍅🌿🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

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🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

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🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

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