One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan

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

A comforting one-pot pasta dish with penne simmered in a fresh tomato sauce, fragrant basil, and finished with grated Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 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 until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the boiling sauce and stir to fully submerge the pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan 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-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan?

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-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan?

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-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan 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-Pot Tomato and Basil Penne with Parmesan 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.

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