One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil
Pasta cooked directly in a tomato-basil sauce with vegetables for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 3: Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If sauce is thick, add 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Toss until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil 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.
Is One-Pan Tomato Pasta with Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
