One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall head over heels for this One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those magical meals where simplicity meets incredible flavor, all while keeping cleanup minimal. Imagine bursting cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, a splash of sun-dried tomato goodness, and pasta all coming together in a single pot. I promise you, this recipe will become your go-to dinner, especially on busy weeknights when you want a comforting, fresh, and vibrant dish without fussing over multiple pans.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples that work together like a dream. The sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, intense tomato flavor, while the fresh cherry tomatoes bring a sweet juiciness. The fresh basil at the end gives it that unmistakable, herbaceous lift that makes this pasta sing.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Sun dried tomatoes: I recommend ones packed in olive oil, it really boosts the sauce’s richness.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh and juicy cherry tomatoes that will burst with heat and blend into the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for maximum aromatic punch.
• Crushed red pepper: Adds just a hint of heat but you can adjust to your taste.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best seasoning.
• Salt: Don’t skimp here—it’s key to bringing out the tomato flavors.
• Bucatini pasta: This thick spaghetti works great, but you can also use other long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
• Vegetable broth: Adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks; you can swap for chicken broth if you like.
• Water: Balances the liquid for perfect pasta texture.
• Tomato paste: Gives deep tomato intensity and thickens the sauce.
• Fresh basil: Thinly sliced to finish the dish with a fresh, herbal burst.

Variations

I love tweaking this One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe depending on what I have on hand or which flavors I’m craving. Feel free to make it your own—this recipe is super versatile!

• Protein boost: Sometimes I toss in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it heartier.
• Veggie twist: Adding spinach or baby kale at the end is a great way to sneak in extra greens.
• Heat level: If you like it spicier, add a pinch more crushed red pepper or even some chopped fresh chili.
• Cheese options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add dollops of ricotta for a creamy finish.

How to Make One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Tomatoes to Perfection

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the sun-dried tomatoes along with any extra oil they come packed in—it really amps up the flavor base. Toss in the cherry tomatoes next and stir well to coat everything in that garlicky oil. Partially cover the pot and let everything cook for about 6 minutes, stirring once or twice. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherry tomatoes have burst, releasing their sweet juices, creating a natural saucy base that smells divine.

Step 2: Aromatics and Seasoning Magic

Once your tomatoes are nicely softened and saucy, add in the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and salt. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about 2 more minutes. The garlic will mellow out but still pack that punch, while the spices start building layers of flavor. Be generous with the salt here—it balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and Tomato Paste, Then Boil Away

Now for the fun part: add your bucatini pasta right into the pot—no pre-cooking necessary! Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and the tomato paste. Using a wooden spoon, gently break up the tomato paste and stir it into the liquid mixture until it’s fully combined. Crank the heat up to high and bring everything to a rapid boil. This step cooks your pasta right in the flavorful tomato sauce, so make sure you stir and turn the pasta frequently as it boils. This keeps the noodles from sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly.

Step 4: Finishing Touches with Basil

Cook the pasta for about 14 minutes, or until it’s tender and most of the liquid has evaporated—stirring often is key here to avoid sticking. Remove the pot from heat, stir in the fresh sliced basil, and cover it for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the basil soften into the sauce without losing its vibrant flavor. When you take off the lid, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with extra fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. Sometimes I toss on a few chili flakes if I’m in the mood for a little extra warmth. The freshness of the garnishes really makes the dish pop on the plate and adds texture and contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and flavorful on its own, I keep sides simple—something like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic-roasted broccoli pairs beautifully. Garlic bread also works wonders if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in a large rustic wooden bowl with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual dinner parties when you want something impressive but totally fuss-free.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge—it will keep well for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs more sauce over time, which makes it even tastier the next day in my opinion.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times by itself (without fresh basil on top) and it freezes well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep it from drying out.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry it out if you’re not careful—stirring halfway through helps.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe turns out every time — it’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to pull together. When I first tried this, it completely changed how I approached weeknight dinners. No more multiple pots or hours of simmering, just a vibrant, saucy pasta that my whole family enjoys. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both fuss-free and packed with fresh garden flavors, this is it. Grab that pot, get those tomatoes ready, and trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again. Happy cooking!

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