If you’ve ever dreamed of a fast, no-fuss dinner bursting with fresh flavor, this One Pan Pasta Recipe will win your heart in under 20 minutes! Picture sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and silky spaghetti simmering together in a single skillet, with all their flavors swirling into a vibrant, saucy tangle. This isn’t just a busy-night lifesaver—it’s also a joyful, hands-off way to get dinner on the table with minimal cleanup, maximum taste, and that magical Italian comfort vibe. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a pasta fanatic, this recipe is about to become the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a short list of humble ingredients can come together so beautifully in this One Pan Pasta Recipe. Each component adds its own special touch to the final dish, giving you delicious flavor and color without extra effort or fancy steps.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Choose your favorite brand; the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These beauties burst as they cook, creating a naturally sweet, tangy sauce.
- Small Onion (thinly sliced): The onion melts down, adding subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Because what’s Italian pasta without lots of garlic? Sliced thin, it perfumes the whole dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle warmth that perks up the sauce, add more if you love a kick!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): The rich base that binds all the fresh flavors and gives that luxurious texture.
- Water or Vegetable Broth (4 1/2 cups): Broth gives an extra flavor punch, but water keeps it clean and simple.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle, fragrant heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/2 cup): Torn or chopped, basil adds a burst of freshness at the end—absolutely don’t skip it!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving, optional): If you want a savory, creamy finish, sprinkle plenty on top just before serving.
How to Make One Pan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, set yourself up for breezy cooking by prepping your veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the onion and garlic, and measure out your seasonings. This small bit of prep ensures your One Pan Pasta Recipe comes together smoothly, with nothing slowing you down mid-cook.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Pan
Grab your largest, deepest skillet or sauté pan. Place the dry spaghetti right inside (no need to precook!). Scatter the cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic on top, then sprinkle over the red pepper flakes. Drizzle the olive oil evenly so every strand gets a little love. Pour in the water or broth, followed by the salt and pepper, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. It looks unconventional, but trust the process—this is the magic of a One Pan Pasta Recipe!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Set the pan over high heat, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir gently with tongs, helping the spaghetti to begin softening and distributing those fresh flavors. The boiling liquid does double duty: it cooks the pasta and reduces into a velvety sauce, perfectly clinging to each noodle.
Step 4: Simmer Until Al Dente
Once boiling, reduce the heat just a bit, and let everything cook uncovered for about 9 to 11 minutes. Stir frequently with tongs so the pasta doesn’t stick and the onions and tomatoes blend right in. Watch as the liquid evaporates and thickens into a glossy sauce—the pasta should be tender but still have a lovely bite. If you prefer a looser sauce, save a splash of the cooking liquid at the end.
Step 5: Add Basil and Finishing Touches
Turn off the heat and toss in your fresh basil leaves, stirring just until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve your One Pan Pasta Recipe immediately, piled high in bowls and topped with grated Parmesan if desired. That’s it—dinner, done!
How to Serve One Pan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
There’s a little magic in how you finish this pasta. Shower each bowl with extra fresh basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, or add a crackle of black pepper for even more aroma. For a pop of color and brightness, a few cherry tomato halves or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving look and taste fantastic.
Side Dishes
This One Pan Pasta Recipe is a star on its own but turns into a feast with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Lemon-dressed arugula or a simple caprese salad echo the pasta’s fresh flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta family-style straight from the pan at the table—everyone will love the “wow” moment when you bring out one steaming skillet. Or, try twirling portions into little nests on plates, stacked high with basil leaves and a Parmesan shower for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers from your One Pan Pasta Recipe? Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then spoon it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and makes a delicious next-day lunch straight from the container or warmed up.
Freezing
Though this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for future quick meals. Let the pasta cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, then warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, tossing gently until hot. A microwave works too—just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring between each so the pasta reheats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for a One Pan Pasta Recipe, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short shapes like penne. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as different shapes may finish a little sooner or take a minute or two longer.
Is this dish spicy?
With 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the heat stays pretty mild but gives a nice background tingle. If you love spice, feel free to double the amount, or skip it entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is a wonderful canvas for add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the other veggies at the beginning and they’ll cook right along with everything else.
What proteins go well with the One Pan Pasta Recipe?
If you want to boost the protein, try mixing in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas at the end. These all make the recipe a bit heartier and soak up that lovely sauce.
Do I have to use fresh basil?
Fresh basil really makes the flavors pop, but if you don’t have any, substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning stirred in at the start. It won’t be quite as fresh, but you’ll still have a delicious One Pan Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly cozy and satisfying about this One Pan Pasta Recipe—it’s quick, vibrant, and guaranteed to please even on your busiest nights. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch how easily it wins a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
One Pan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Pasta Recipe is a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. With spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil cooked in a flavorful broth, this dish is a delicious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces
Cherry Tomatoes (halved):
- 1 pint
Onion (thinly sliced):
- 1 small
Garlic (thinly sliced):
- 4 cloves
Red Pepper Flakes:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Olive Oil:
- 2 tablespoons
Water or Vegetable Broth:
- 4 1/2 cups
Salt:
- 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Basil Leaves:
- 1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving (optional):
- to taste
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, combine spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and water or broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat slightly and cook, uncovered, for about 9–11 minutes, stirring frequently with tongs to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced into a silky sauce.
Notes
- You can add spinach, mushrooms, or cooked protein like shrimp or chicken for variation.
- Use broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
