Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, one-pot meal combining tender pasta with a rich, cheesy tomato sauce — perfect for busy days when comfort and speed matter. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 12 oz penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Comfort Food: One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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