One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that brings the flavors of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil together in a single pot. The image shows a vibrant mix of rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, all simmering in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease. You only need a few ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Just toss in the pasta, add the tomatoes and seasonings, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender and infused with flavor.

This dish is not just about convenience; it’s also packed with flavor. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the aromatic basil, creating a comforting meal that feels special. Serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Enjoy this One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta as a quick dinner or a delicious lunch the next day!

Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing

This pasta is endlessly adaptable. Want to add protein? Toss in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans. Craving more veggies? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be right at home here. You can even make it creamy with a swirl of ricotta or cream cheese stirred in at the end. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous palates, this dish is a blank canvas that welcomes your personal touch.

A Perfect Fit for Seasonal Eating

Tomato Basil Pasta is especially magical in the summer, when fresh basil is abundant and tomatoes are at their sweetest. But it works beautifully year-round with canned tomatoes and dried herbs. It’s a dish that bridges seasons—light enough for warm evenings, hearty enough for cooler nights. And because it’s vegetarian (and easily made vegan), it’s a great option for a wide range of dietary needs.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This pasta holds up surprisingly well in the fridge, making it a smart choice for meal prep. The flavors deepen as it sits, and a quick reheat brings it right back to life. Store it in individual containers for grab-and-go lunches, or serve it as a side dish alongside grilled proteins throughout the week. It’s the kind of recipe that works hard for you, even after the first night.

Easy One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz whole-wheat rotini (or pasta of choice)

  • 1 cup water

  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 6 cups baby spinach or kale

  • ½ cup fresh basil, slivered

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

  • Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine pasta, water, broth, tomatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper.

  2. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.

  3. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.

  4. Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 5–7 more minutes, until greens are wilted and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  5. Stir in fresh basil. Garnish with Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 339 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 55 g

  • Protein: 11 g

  • Fat: 10 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

  • Sodium: 570 mg

  • Fiber: 8 g

  • Sugar: 6 g