This garlicky, saucy pasta filled with basil and tomatoes is made from start to finish in about 20 minutes; does dinner get much better than that?
Everything is combined in the pot along with the cooking water and it reduces down into a perfect one dish meal as it cooks. It sounds almost too good to be true, right?
I’ve seen versions of this recipe floating around online all summer and I finally had to try it. With rave reviews from everyone who has tried it, I still doubted that the dish would live up to the hype. I was wrong.
This pasta is unbelievably rich and creamy and saucy, without any cream or actual “sauce” in the recipe. The recipe just begs to be played with; there are countless variations already running through my mind.
20 Minute One Pot Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti linguini or fettuccine *
- 1 large onion very thinly sliced, about 2 cups
- 4 - 6 garlic cloves very thinly sliced
- 12 ounces or 3 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 10 basil leaves torn in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 4 1/2 cups water
- Topping: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese several basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a straight sided large skillet or pot. Bring to a high boil and then reduce heat just enough to keep it boiling without splattering you as you stir and toss it constantly with tongs for about 8-10 minutes. The water and tomatoes will reduce down and the pasta will release starches that thicken it and make it creamy.
- Do not wait for all of the liquid to evaporate. Taste the pasta as it finishes cooking. When it has softened to your liking remove from the heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Scoop into serving bowls and top with fresh cheese and additional basil. Enjoy!
- * I used gluten free, brown rice fettuccine noodles and they worked just as well as traditional pasta.
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Anonymous says
I made it a few weeks ago. Was delicious! Easy to make.. making it again today.
Colleen says
Made this a few times. Easy and delicious!
Terry says
I made this and it turned out so good.
Melissa @ Bless This Mess says
I've made this three times now and it is WONDERFUL! It comes out perfect everytime and we love, love, LOVE it! Thank you!
srajoski says
I made a double batch of this last week for a houseful of family using whole wheat spaghetti with homemade jarred tomatoes, vegetable broth instead of water and dried basil instead of fresh. This is definitely going to stay at the top of the recipe pile.
Anne from Pintesting says
I've seen the Martha Stewart version, but am going to pin yours, too. Sounds delicious and I look forward to trying this!
JoanieVB says
I have also added left over chicken at the very end to hear it up and instead of water used chicken broth….. it's yummy!
JoanieVB says
I have also added left over chicken at the very end to hear it up and instead of water used chicken broth….. it's yummy!
Barbara says
Made this the other night easy so easy and so delicious !!!
Anonymous says
wonderful, thanks for the great recipe! Going to try it next time with scallops or shrimp
Anonymous says
My kids absolutely love this dish. it has become a staple in our house. And the left overs are even better! Thanks!
Kim Honeycutt says
Glad to see so many have tried it and liked it! Pinning to try! Thanks!
Katharine Longo says
I just tested this out and while I love the simplicity of it, mine did not get very creamy 🙁
What did I do wrong?!
Mary says
Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing why it wasn't creamy. Did you have enough water? Did it dry out? You didn't rinse the pasta, right? I've never had that happen and I've never heard from anyone who had it not turn out creamy. I'm sorry it didn't work for you, Katharine!
Anonymous says
Yummy. Shall try this. I like the where it says easy 😊
Deborah says
This was a hit at my house! I have made it twice, adding cooked sausage because my husband demands meat, and a little tomato paste for extra tomato creaminess. Easy and really good!
Anonymous says
made it. it was a complete disaster. pasta far too mushy to eat. a waste of time and money. and, yes, i followed the instructions to the letter
Mary says
I'm not sure what could have gone wrong. I've heard from countless people that have made this recipe and loved it. I'm sorry to hear that it didn't work out for you. I hate when that happens!
Get Home Bag says
This is pasta Pomadoro. We have a tenancy to say marinara but in italy marinara come from the word marina which has seafood in it. Love the one pot method though.
Louis Taylor says
Fantastic! So creamy… with no cream!
Kushi S says
Very flavorful, delicious and YUMMY recipe
Anonymous says
Made this camping – easy and delicious.