One Pot Tomato and Basil Pasta

  |  
Jan 17, 2025

One Pot Tomato and Basil Pasta

A delightful and simple pasta dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the aromatic touch of basil, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 480cal
Carbohydrate: 70g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: 600mg

Difficulty Level: easy

10 min Prep
20 min Cook
30 min Total
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or your choice of pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add 12 oz of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add 1 pound of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. For a slight kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft and begin to release their juices.
  4. Once the tomatoes are ready, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time to loosen it. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
  5. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the pasta. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your meal!