One-Pot Tomato Pasta (Print Version)
Tomato pasta and vegetables are cooked together for easy, quick comfort food with minimal cleanup.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 14 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 2 oz baby spinach (optional)
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Seasonings & Additions
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
14 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 - Incorporate cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Pour vegetable broth into the pot and bring to a boil.
04 - Add dried pasta to the pot, ensuring it is mostly covered by the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Stir in baby spinach until wilted and add Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Hands-off cooking with just one pot so cleanup is a breeze
- Ingredients are easy to find and mostly pantry staples
- On the table in about half an hour
- Vegetarian and easily adaptable for different diets
- Deep tomato flavor from using both fresh and canned tomatoes
02 -
- High in fiber and protein
- Customizable for vegan or gluten-free diets
03 -
- Never skip sautéing the onion and garlic fully—it builds deep flavor right from the start.
- Stir the pasta often prevent sticking and uneven cooking. A splash of broth at the end keeps it creamy if the sauce seems thick.