One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, aromatic pasta dish where fresh tomatoes and basil infuse the sauce while the pasta cooks directly in the pot. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, finely minced shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz penne pasta and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced shallot and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add drained penne to skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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