One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant, no-stir pasta dish simmered with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a burst of Italian flavor. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, oil-packed and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, adding 1 tbsp salt. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion (finely diced) and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 garlic cloves (minced) and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the pan to release browned bits.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 2 cups pasta water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped), then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Divide among bowls and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Italian one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
