Tomato Basil One Pot Pasta
Who doesn’t love another easy dish to add to the dinner repertoire? This humble pasta begins with basic everyday ingredients and finishes with well blended, perfectly complimentary and satisfying flavors. I’ve long loved one pot pasta recipes because they are as quick and easy as a made from scratch dinner gets. Plus they are incredibly versatile (see more of my one pot pasta recipes listed below). This easy pasta recipe tastes fresh, tomato-y, and has just enough rich cheese and pancetta to highlight it and build up the flavor. It’s a homemade dish that’s great for those busy days, and it will make great leftovers for lunch the next day!
One Pot Pasta Recipe Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil here, not standard refined or light. We are looking for flavor and extra virgin olive oil has the most flavor of the three. Pancetta: This is the secret ingredient in the dish that gives it that special something. You can usually find this at the deli counter of the grocery store, if you can’t try substituting bacon. Yellow onion: Chop the onion fairly small. Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to building fresher flavor here. Penne pasta: I recommend using Barilla brand as that’s what I’ve created the recipe with (other brands may not absorb as much liquid or be cook by the same time). Vegetable broth: Chicken broth should work great here as well. Just don’t use water or the dish will be lacking in flavor. Diced tomatoes: You can use standard cut or petite cut based on personal preference. Italian seasoning: If needed you can make your own blend using 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp rosemary. Red pepper flakes: If you like heat double up the amount or more, if you don’t care for spicy food then omit. Salt and pepper: Season to taste. Fresh spinach: Stick with fresh here as frozen will be mushy in this dish. Fresh basil: This is a key ingredient to the dish. I don’t recommend substituting dried in it’s place. Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor.
How to Make One Pot Pasta
One Pan Variations
Add a different protein. Cooked chicken, ground sausage, sliced sausage or ground beef would be tasty options. Try with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini. Make it extra cheesy – add more parmesan cheese or sneak in another type with it such as Romano or Asiago cheese. Use kale in place of spinach, cook along with the pasta (spinach cooks quicker).
Helpful Tips
Monitor level of liquid with pasta. If needed add more, every pot will allow steam to escape a little differently so amount may need to be adjusted slightly. Stick with penne pasta. Other might not work as well in this specific recipe. Don’t skip tossing halfway through for even cooking. Cook to al dente for a perfect bite. Use good quality olive oil and finish with extra, it improves the overall flavor of the dish.
More One Pot Pasta Recipes
Beef Stroganoff (with Ground Beef) Goulash (American Style) Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Instant Pot Spaghetti One Pan Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus One Pan Creamy Parmesan Shrimp Linguine
