If you’re on the hunt for a delicious meal that’s both quick and effortlessly delectable, then this One Pan Pasta is your new best friend. With its medley of fresh ingredients, minimal cleanup, and tantalizing flavors, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This One Pan Pasta requires minimal prep and cooks up in just 25 minutes!
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooking in a single pan, you’ll have less dishwashing and more relaxation.
- Bursting with Flavor: A delightful combination of fresh basil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes ensures every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily modify it to suit various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this One Pan Pasta truly spectacular is how these simple ingredients come together to create such a harmonious dish. Each ingredient has its role, from providing a fresh pop of color to lending that rich, savory goodness we all love.
- Linguine: The perfect pasta for soaking up all those lovely juices while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of vibrant green and packs a nutritional punch.
- Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb provides a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs magically with tomatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of this liquid gold ties everything together with its rich, fruity flavor.
Variations
The beauty of One Pan Pasta is its adaptability. This dish welcomes customization with open arms, making it ideal for accommodating differing taste buds and dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety to keep it coeliac-friendly.
- Vegan Option: Omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add a Creamy Element: Stir in a splash of milk or a dairy-free alternative for a richer sauce.
How to Make One Pan Pasta
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Begin by arranging your linguine, cherry tomatoes, spinach, sliced onions, garlic, and basil in a large, deep pan. This layering helps in even cooking and allows the flavors to intermingle perfectly.
Step 2: Cooking Time
Pour in the boiling water and bring the contents to a boil. Allow it to simmer on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the flavorful liquid to form a delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Pasta
- Strategic Stirring: Be sure to stir occasionally as it prevents sticking and ensures the pasta absorbs all those tasty juices.
- Herb Perfection: Always add a bit of fresh basil at the end to boost flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Balance the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the recommended crushed red pepper and adjust to taste.
How to Serve One Pan Pasta
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a small handful of fresh chopped basil can truly elevate your One Pan Pasta, giving it a wonderful Italian flair instantly.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread, complementing the savory pasta with a bit of freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in a rustic, shallow wooden bowl for a charming touch, or toss it with a colorful serving spoon to highlight the vibrant ingredients. A simple presentation can often be the most delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras of this delicious pasta should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, making it a great candidate for meal prep.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze portions of this pasta by placing them in freezer-friendly containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to your pasta and warm it up slowly on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. This keeps the pasta moist and flavorful.
FAQs
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Can I use different pasta shapes for One Pan Pasta?
Absolutely! Choose any pasta shape you like, just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
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What can I use instead of cherry tomatoes?
Roma or grape tomatoes are excellent alternatives and will offer a sweeter, richer flavor to your dish.
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Can I use dried basil if I don’t have fresh?
Yes, use about one-third of the quantity in dried basil as a substitute, but for the freshest flavor, fresh basil is recommended.
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How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water slightly or add a tablespoon of cornstarch when the water is almost evaporated.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One Pan Pasta a try. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy from its simplicity and heartiness. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pan Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and herbs all cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers a satisfying, savory dish with vibrant cherry tomatoes and spinach.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 ounces baby spinach
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups boiling water
Cheese (Optional)
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients and slice the cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chop the basil leaves so they are ready to go.
- Combine in pan: In a large deep pan, add the linguine, cherry tomatoes, spinach, sliced onions, garlic, and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with crushed red pepper and salt.
- Add water and cook: Pour boiling water into the pan, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally with tongs, until most of the liquid has evaporated and a sauce has formed around the pasta.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Recipe: This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Substitutes: Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for vegan. Add a splash of milk to make it creamier. Feel free to swap out vegetables as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces (56g) pasta per serving
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 551 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
