Pin It A comforting, aromatic pasta dish made entirely in one pan, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic—perfect for cozy evenings by the fire.
I first served this comforting pasta to my family on a cold night, and it quickly became a favorite for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried linguine or spaghetti
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Herbs and Seasonings: 1 tsp sea salt or to taste, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional), 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for garnish
- Cheese (optional): 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth.
- Step 2:
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
- Step 3:
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
- Step 4:
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al denté and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh basil and half the cheese (if using) until well combined.
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra basil and remaining cheese.
Pin It This recipe always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a warm meal.
Notes
Pair with a light red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chefs knife, cutting board, grater (if using cheese)
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (if using cheese). For dairy free, omit cheese or use a plant based alternative. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Pin It This simple one pan recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a weeknight favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well. Adjust the cooking time and liquid quantity as needed to achieve perfect tenderness.
- → What type of pan is best for one-pan cooking?
A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven is ideal to allow even cooking and prevent sticking while combining all ingredients.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Drain and stir in cooked cannellini beans or chicken along with the tomatoes to boost protein content.
- → Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan enhances flavor but can be omitted or substituted with plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stir regularly over high heat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is al dente.