One Pan Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, rustic meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this One Pan Pasta is about to become your new weeknight wonder. In just 25 minutes and with barely any cleanup, you get perfectly saucy linguine tangled with fresh cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, aromatic onion, garlic, and basil—all simmered together in a single pot for unbelievably bright, Italian-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of One Pan Pasta is how easy it is to pull together—the short list of fresh ingredients each plays a starring role. These classic flavors balance brightness, richness, a hint of heat, and that summery Mediterranean feel.

• Linguine: Dried linguine gives you those lovely slurpable strands; feel free to use spaghetti or gluten-free pasta if that’s what you have.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sliced in half, they burst and sweeten the sauce; grape tomatoes work perfectly too.
• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy note and wilts right into the sauce—no extra steps needed.
• Small Onion: Thinly sliced for gentle sweetness and depth in every bite.
• Garlic Cloves: Finely sliced so they melt into the sauce and infuse the whole dish.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Roughly chopped to layer that classic garden-bright Italian flavor throughout.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzled on top for richness and silkiness—don’t skip it!
• Crushed Red Pepper: This adds gentle heat; customize to your spice preferences.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the pasta’s natural sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Melts in at the end for major umami and creamy texture—skip or swap for a vegan version if you like.
• Boiling Water: The secret sauce starter! Cooking the pasta and veggies together creates a rich, starchy “broth” that turns into your sauce.

Variations

One Pan Pasta is endlessly adaptable—treat the recipe as your starting canvas and tweak away! Whether you’re working with a nearly-empty fridge, keeping things gluten-free, or adding more veggies, making it your own is half the fun.

• Go Vegan: Omit Parmesan and stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese for a savory finish.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or leftover rotisserie chicken just before serving for extra heartiness.
• Switch Up Greens: Don’t have spinach? Substitute with arugula, kale (finely chopped), or even a handful of frozen peas.
• Change the Noodles: Use spaghetti, fettuccine, or gluten-free alternatives—just keep an eye on cooking time.
• Make It Creamy: Replace up to half the water with milk or pour in a splash of cream for a rich, silky sauce.

How to Make One Pan Pasta

Step 1: Layer and Season

Set out your biggest deep pan or skillet—this keeps everything from boiling over as the pasta cooks. Lay the linguine flat in the pan and scatter over the sliced cherry tomatoes, spinach, onion, garlic, and basil. Drizzle olive oil across the top, and finish with crushed red pepper and salt. This layering lets every ingredient infuse the sauce right from the start.

Step 2: Pour and Simmer

Carefully pour boiling water into the filled pan (a kettle is handy here), then place the pan over medium heat. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes with tongs, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced into a sauce. Watching the transformation is half the joy!

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan (if using) and toss with more fresh basil. Taste for seasoning and serve One Pan Pasta immediately—you want it hot, saucy, and brimming with flavor.

How to Serve One Pan Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped basil or parsley tossed on top just before serving looks beautiful and keeps things fragrant. For a more decadent finish, shower each bowl with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even a little lemon zest for brightness.

Side Dishes

One Pan Pasta is delicious on its own, but add a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette or a hunk of crusty garlic bread to sop up the extra sauce and you’ll have a true Italian-style meal. Roasted veggies or marinated olives are also rustic, easy sides that fit right in.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, twirl neat little nests of pasta onto each plate and spoon extra tomatoes and sauce over the top. Serve family-style in the beautiful pan you cooked in—straight to the table for an inviting, homey touch. Scatter colorful basil leaves or edible flowers if you want to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pan Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 4–5 days, and the flavors deepen as it sits—making lunch the next day an absolute treat.

Freezing

The pasta holds up best if you freeze single portions—spoon into freezer-safe containers once cooled, seal tight, and freeze for up to 2 months. If you can, skip freezing cheese-topped portions, as dairy can get a bit grainy after thawing (add fresh cheese when reheating instead).

Reheating

To warm up, splash a tablespoon of water or broth into your pasta and gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring until hot and revived. For quick lunches, microwaving works too—just use a microwave-safe bowl with a loose cover to keep things moist and steamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Pasta is pure comfort—simple to make, endlessly flexible, and bursting with the honest flavors of fresh veggies, herbs, and olive oil. If you try it once, there’s a good chance it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner lineup. Grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of fresh pasta night—enjoy!

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