If you’re craving a delicious, comforting dinner but don’t want to spend your evening washing loads of pots and pans, this One Pan Pasta will be your new best friend. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked linguine in a silky tomato basil sauce, all made together in a single pan! It’s the holy grail of easy weeknight meals—fresh, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Easy Clean-Up: Everything cooks in just one pan, making post-dinner dishes an absolute breeze.
- Bold, Fresh Flavor: Juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a whisper of garlic infuse the pasta with irresistible brightness.
- Customizable for All Diets: With simple swaps, this recipe easily adapts for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free preferences.
- Weeknight Fast—Weekend-Worthy: Ready in under half an hour, but elegant and satisfying enough for a cozy dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this One Pan Pasta extra special is how each ingredient shines—there’s no hiding in sauce here! Simple as the list may be, every item is chosen to bring color, freshness, and depth to each bite, resulting in that magical harmony only the best pasta dishes deliver.
- Linguine (8 ounces): Linguine strikes the perfect balance—thin enough to cook quickly, sturdy enough for slurping up the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These little jewels burst and mingle with the starchy pasta water, creating a naturally sweet, velvety sauce.
- Baby Spinach (2 ounces): Tossed in for a pop of color and freshness, it wilts beautifully and tucks extra vegetables into every forkful.
- Small Onion (finely sliced): Brings a gentle sweetness and creates a flavor backbone for the whole dish.
- Garlic Cloves (3, finely sliced): Garlic infuses each strand with bold aroma—slice, don’t mince, for silky texture.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (handful, chopped): Stirred in at the end for an herbal punch no jarred sauce can match.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, fruity note and helps carry all those flavors through the pasta.
- Crushed Red Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of heat keeps the flavors lively and bright.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning everything—taste as you go!
- Parmesan Cheese (2 ounces, grated, optional): For a creamy finish and savory depth, or omit for a vegan version.
- Water (4 cups, boiling): The unsung hero—it cooks the pasta and forms that luscious sauce right inside the pan!
Variations
Once you fall in love with the magic of One Pan Pasta, you’ll realize just how versatile it can be. This is a recipe that welcomes your favorite veggies, flavors, and swaps, letting you create the dinner you’re truly craving—no matter what’s in the fridge!
- Make it Vegan: Omit the parmesan cheese, or substitute with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan for a deliciously dairy-free version.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free linguine or spaghetti—just keep an eye on timing, as gluten-free pasta softens quickly!
- Extra Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of milk (regular or plant-based) in place of some water for a silkier, richer sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms alongside the tomatoes for an even heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Use more crushed red pepper or add a hint of smoked paprika if you like extra heat and depth!
How to Make One Pan Pasta
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest, deepest sauté pan or Dutch oven—it needs to be roomy enough for the linguine to lie mostly flat and cook evenly. Layer the linguine, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, thinly sliced onions, garlic, and most of the basil right in the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with crushed red pepper and salt, letting everything intermingle. Don’t worry if it looks crowded; as soon as the spinach wilts and the pasta softens, it all settles down beautifully.
Step 2: Add Water & Simmer
Pour in the boiling water (it helps everything come together faster), then crank up the heat to bring the works to a strong simmer. Keep the pan uncovered—this allows the liquid to reduce and intensify into a sauce. Use tongs to gently toss and separate the pasta as it cooks so nothing sticks. After about 8–10 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce getting glossy and clingy, with just a bit of liquid remaining at the bottom.
Step 3: Finish with Cheese & Basil
Once the pasta is just al dente and the sauce is silky, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan (if using) until it melts into the sauce, and add a final sprinkle of fresh basil for that swoon-worthy aroma. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as desired. Serve right away, while it’s piping hot and perfectly saucy—every bowl is pure joy and takes you straight to the heart of Italy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Pasta
- Perfect Pan Choice: Use a wide and deep pan for the best surface area—this helps the water evaporate into a luscious sauce, not a soup.
- Tongs Are Your Friend: Stir and turn the pasta with tongs as it cooks so every strand gets coated and cooks evenly (and nothing fuses together in a starchy clump).
- Salt at the Start, Taste at the End: Season the water and vegetables before cooking, then taste after adding the cheese—you may not need more salt!
- Finish with Freshness: Always add extra chopped basil at the end—it packs an herbal punch that completely transforms the finished dish.
How to Serve One Pan Pasta
Garnishes
A generous snowfall of freshly grated parmesan is my go-to finish, but don’t stop there—torn basil, a drizzle of your best olive oil, or even a twist of lemon zest on top make this One Pan Pasta pop. If you enjoy a kick, extra chili flakes or a few toasted pine nuts add wonderful flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, serve with a crisp green salad—arugula lightly tossed with lemon and olive oil is divine—or warm, crusty bread for soaking up any lingering sauce in your bowl. Garlic bread also never disappoints alongside!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving One Pan Pasta in a big family-style platter for passing around the table—it’s casual, inviting, and makes for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a romantic dinner, twirl generous forkfuls into shallow bowls, top with basil ribbons, and finish with a glug of olive oil for that restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover One Pan Pasta (lucky you!), simply pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll keep beautifully for 4 to 5 days. The flavors only seem to deepen and meld the next day, making leftovers a true treat for busy lunches.
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, keep in mind that the noodles may soften further after thawing. If you do choose to freeze, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—just skip the fresh basil and cheese, then add them when reheating for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a little water or broth into your pan or microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and warm gently until heated through. Give everything a good toss to bring back that silky sauce. Top with extra cheese and basil to rejuvenate the flavors as if it was just made!
FAQs
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Can I use another type of pasta for One Pan Pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even shorter shapes like penne work beautifully—just adjust the cooking time and swirl with tongs to prevent sticking. Darker or whole grain pastas may absorb a bit more water, so check for doneness and liquid level before finishing.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta regularly with tongs as it cooks. Since the pasta, veggies, and sauce are all in one pan, the key is to gently separate the noodles early and often as they soften. A roomy pan also helps cook everything evenly.
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Is it possible to double One Pan Pasta for a crowd?
Yes, but make sure to use a really large pan or divide everything between two pans for the best results. Double the ingredients and add a few extra minutes to the cook time, stirring frequently to ensure nothing sticks or overcooks.
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What if my sauce isn’t thickening?
If your pasta still has lots of liquid after the cooking time, just leave the pan on the heat for an extra minute or two, tossing until the sauce reduces and clings to the noodles. As the pasta sits, it will continue to absorb any remaining sauce—so don’t overcook!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way everything comes together in this One Pan Pasta—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, barely any mess. It’s the perfect comfort meal to whip up when you want maximum impact with minimum fuss. Grab your pan, gather your favorites, and let this pasta become your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Print
One Pan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A quick and easy one-pan pasta recipe that is bursting with flavors from cherry tomatoes, spinach, and fresh basil. This dish comes together in no time and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces linguine
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 ounces baby spinach
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 4 cups water, boiling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: In a large deep pan, combine linguine, cherry tomatoes, spinach, sliced onions, garlic, and basil. Drizzle olive oil, season with crushed red pepper and salt.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour boiling water into the pan. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is nearly evaporated, creating a sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Recipe: This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Substitutes: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. To make a vegan version, skip Parmesan or use a vegan substitute. For a creamier sauce, consider adding milk instead of water. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 ounces of pasta)
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 551mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
