One-Pot Cheesy Tomato Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

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 recipe, 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.

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.

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