When the sun sets and the aroma of fresh basil fills the air, you know it’s a perfect night for One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. Imagine slurping up perfectly cooked noodles entwined with rich tomato sauce, where every bite bursts with flavor and a hint of sweetness from the basil. delicious one-pot vegetable curry This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen.
Ah, the memories! I remember the first time I made this dish. It was an impromptu dinner party, and I was determined to impress my friends. Between laughter and clanging pots, we savored every bite of that creamy, aromatic pasta. creamy pesto burrata pasta Now, it’s become my go-to recipe for gatherings and lazy Sunday afternoons.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- This dish is versatile; feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized twist
I once served this dish at a gathering, and my friend declared it “life-changing” after just one forkful.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use your favorite type like spaghetti or penne; choose whole grain for added nutrition.
- Canned Whole Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano for their sweet flavor; they elevate the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh Basil: Use vibrant green leaves; they provide that aromatic kick we all crave in this dish.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they add depth and richness to the overall flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Onion: Sweet yellow onions work wonderfully here, softening as they cook.
- Vegetable Broth: This enhances flavors without overpowering; low-sodium is a great choice. zesty lemon orzo with salmon.
- Olive Oil: A splash will help sauté your garlic and onion; choose extra virgin for the best taste.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preference.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese adds creaminess and umami—don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
First things first: gather your ingredients! You’ll want everything ready before you start cooking to make this process smooth.
Sautéing Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic until they soften and turn fragrant—about 3 minutes should do it.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in canned whole tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up with a spoon. The color should deepen as they cook down into a luscious base.
Incorporate Pasta: Stir in your chosen pasta along with vegetable broth, ensuring everything is well-coated. The broth will infuse flavor while cooking the pasta.
Add Fresh Basil: Toss in fresh basil leaves at this stage, allowing them to wilt into the sauce. Their aroma will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent!
Simmer Away: Cover the pot and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally—this helps everything combine beautifully while preventing sticking.
Add Finishing Touches: Once done, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving hot!
And there you have it—One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta ready to be devoured! Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that brings joy not just through its flavors but also through shared moments around the dinner table. comforting pizza pasta bake.
You Must Know
- This delightful One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like an Italian bistro
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, then add pasta, tomatoes, and broth all at once. Let it simmer until the pasta absorbs the flavors and becomes perfectly tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or toss in some parmesan for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different herbs for a unique twist. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry spinach salad recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried; it makes a noticeable difference
- Avoid overcooking the pasta by checking for doneness two minutes before suggested cooking time
- Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly cooked and prevent sticking
The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t believe it was so easy! They devoured every last bite, which made me feel like a culinary genius.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well but may need slight adjustments in cooking time.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Canned diced tomatoes are ideal, but fresh tomatoes can be used if in season.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful, hassle-free dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking in just one pot. With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 28 oz canned whole tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients before starting.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in canned whole tomatoes (with juices) and break them up with a spoon.
- Stir in pasta and vegetable broth, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Toss in fresh basil leaves and allow them to wilt into the sauce.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options. Feel free to customize by adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.
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