One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy with this incredibly simple One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. All ingredients cook together in a single pot, creating a delicious weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 33 minutes
  • Total time: 38 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the spaghetti, olive oil, sliced onion, sliced garlic, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a sauce.
  6. Stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve hot.

Tips

  • Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid before simmering; add a little extra broth or water if needed.
  • Stir frequently during the simmering process to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end for a richer sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, most dried pasta shapes will work, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape and thickness.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian if using vegetable broth. For a vegan version, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan and omit any optional dairy additions like cream or butter.

What should I do if the sauce is too thin?

If the sauce remains too thin after the final uncovered simmering stage, you can increase the heat slightly and stir continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.