If you’ve ever fantasized about getting a soul-satisfying Italian meal on the table in almost no time, this One Pan Pasta Recipe is going to be your new dinnertime hero. Imagine a silky tangle of spaghetti cooked right alongside vibrant cherry tomatoes, sweet onions, fresh baby spinach, and a garlicky, savory broth that becomes its own luscious sauce — all finished with a snowfall of Parmesan and bright basil leaves. Minimal cleanup meets maximum flavor, and every bite feels like a little kitchen magic. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a few close pals, this One Pan Pasta Recipe delivers a beautiful, comforting pasta experience without the extra pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making a One Pan Pasta Recipe is how streamlined the ingredient list is, yet each element plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. Trust this combination — it’s simple, but every ingredient brings a necessary note to our symphony of taste and color.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): The classic pasta gets wonderfully coated in the rich, starchy broth that forms during cooking.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These burst as they cook, creating little pockets of juicy sweetness and bright color throughout.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, sliced): Sliced thinly, it melts into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (4 cloves, thinly sliced): Garlic perfumes the whole dish and adds an irresistible, savory backbone.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the sauce and brings all the flavors together.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the pasta and the sauce.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For a touch of warmth and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): A fiery kick for those who like a hint of spice.
- Water or Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (4½ cups): The liquid helps cook the pasta and becomes the flavorful sauce — broth brings extra depth, but water works beautifully too.
- Baby Spinach (2 cups): Wilts perfectly into the dish at the end for fresh color and nutrition.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, making everything wonderfully rich and savory.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish): Provides a burst of color and herby freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make One Pan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Layer and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by arranging your spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and garlic directly in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan. The real beauty of the One Pan Pasta Recipe is that everything gets layered together at the beginning, setting the stage for the pasta to soak up all those wonderful juices as it cooks. Drizzle in the olive oil, sprinkle over the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), then pour in your water or vegetable broth. It might look like a lot of liquid, but don’t worry — this is how that luscious sauce forms later.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Place your pan over high heat and bring the mixture up to a lively boil. Give everything a gentle stir now and again to ensure the spaghetti doesn’t stick together. The ingredients will start mingling, and you’ll notice the tomatoes softening and the savory aroma of onion and garlic filling your kitchen. This step is all about infusing the pasta and veggies with flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir
Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 9 to 11 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta — you want it al dente and for most of the liquid to have evaporated, which also concentrates that amazing sauce. Stirring is your friend here; it helps prevent sticking and ensures the spaghetti cooks evenly. By the time the timer chimes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully around the noodles.
Step 4: Wilt in the Spinach
Once the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce has reached its creamy, glossy state, add the baby spinach. Stir until the greens wilt into the noodles, bringing a pop of color and that light, verdant flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil. Don’t skip this step — it truly rounds out the freshness in the One Pan Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Remove the pan from the heat, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan right in. Give it one last loving toss so the cheese melts into the sauce, making it luxurious, creamy, and unforgettable. Serve immediately, topped with torn or whole basil leaves. The aroma of fresh basil is what sets this dish over the top and puts an exclamation point on your pasta night.
How to Serve One Pan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous shower of grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves are the go-to toppings for this One Pan Pasta Recipe, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Some homemade garlic breadcrumbs, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a few cracks of freshly ground pepper can turn each serving into a personalized plate of comfort. The color pop from basil is especially lovely when the pasta is served family-style at the table.
Side Dishes
This pasta is complete on its own but snuggles up beautifully to a side salad — think peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a bright Caprese with juicy tomatoes and mozzarella. Want something warm and cozy? Serve with a basket of crusty bread to mop up all the extra sauce. It’s a meal that welcomes simple, Italian-inspired sides without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your One Pan Pasta Recipe into an eye-catching centerpiece by piling it high on a big serving platter and scattering vibrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, or colorful cherry tomatoes on top. For a dinner party twist, portion into shallow bowls, add a dollop of ricotta or burrata, and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest. A few roasted vegetables or a swirl of basil pesto can also add beautiful contrast and a chef’s touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your One Pan Pasta Recipe cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce as it sits, but a splash of hot water or broth during reheating brings it right back to life.
Freezing
While pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions of this One Pan Pasta Recipe if needed. Ladle cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. For best flavor and texture, try to enjoy frozen portions within one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add your pasta to a pan with a splash of water or broth. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through and beautifully saucy again. If you’re microwaving, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring between each. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and basil for that just-cooked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti cooks up beautifully in this recipe, linguine or fettuccine are lovely subs. Just tweak the cook time if you try shorter shapes like penne or fusilli.
What can I substitute for Parmesan to make this dish vegan?
Try using nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based Parmesan in place of the cheese. You can also add a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted nuts to boost richness.
Can I add protein to my One Pan Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness. If you want meatless protein, toss in canned chickpeas or white beans towards the end of cooking.
Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?
It sure does — just be aware that some gluten-free pastas cook faster or require a touch less liquid, so start checking for doneness early and adjust as needed.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The red pepper flakes give a subtle kick, but you can leave them out completely or double up if you like it fiery. You’re in control of the heat in your One Pan Pasta Recipe!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that brings big flavor, real comfort, and barely any kitchen mess, this One Pan Pasta Recipe truly delivers. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on busy nights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you want something honest and delicious. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to pasta classic!
Print
One Pan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Pasta recipe is a quick and easy vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. With cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this flavorful pasta is cooked all in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 ounces
Cherry Tomatoes (halved):
1 pint
Yellow Onion (thinly sliced):
1 medium
Garlic (thinly sliced):
4 cloves
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
½ teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
½ teaspoon
Water or Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth:
4½ cups
Baby Spinach:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
½ cup
Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Place Ingredients in Pan: Add spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a large skillet. Pour in water or vegetable broth.
- Cook Pasta: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 9-11 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in baby spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add ¼ cup of heavy cream or ricotta.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
