Are you ready for a culinary adventure that suits even the busiest of weeknights? Let me introduce you to the delightful world of One Pan Pasta. This recipe is not just a time-saver; it’s a flavor-packed experience bringing together fresh ingredients in a single pot to create a pasta dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just one pan, the cleanup is as quick as the cooking.
- Flavorful: The dish is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors from basil, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Customizable: It’s easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a swift weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pan Pasta is in its simplicity, using a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients that bring depth to the dish. Each one, from the juicy cherry tomatoes to the fragrant basil, plays a role in achieving that perfect balance.
- Linguine: This classic pasta holds up well in a one-pan recipe, offering texture and body.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy freshness, perfect for creating a natural sauce.
- Baby Spinach: Provides a pop of color and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that form the backbone of the flavor profile.
- Fresh Basil: Adds an irresistible fragrance and taste that screams Mediterranean.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of this smooth oil enhances the overall richness.
- Crushed Red Pepper and Salt: Balance the flavors and add a subtle heat.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): For those who want a creamy, cheesy finish.
Variations
One of the best things about the One Pan Pasta is its adaptability. You can tailor this dish to your personal taste or dietary needs with just a few tweaks!
- Gluten-Free Twist: Swap out the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep it friendly for all eaters.
- Vegan Delight: Omit the parmesan cheese, or use a vegan alternative, like nutritional yeast.
- Extra Creamy: To make the sauce richer, replace some of the water with milk or a milk substitute.
- Vegetable Mix-Up: Feel free to add or substitute with other veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
How to Make One Pan Pasta
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Assemble all your beautiful ingredients: chop the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the onions and garlic, and prepare your spinach and basil. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process, where nothing is missing.
Step 2: Start Cooking
In a large deep pan, arrange the linguine surrounded by tomatoes, spinach, onions, garlic, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with crushed red pepper and salt. This setup is key for even cooking.
Step 3: Boil to Perfection
Pour in four cups of boiling water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally with tongs, allowing the flavors to mingle and the pasta to cook evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid almost evaporated, remove the pan from heat. Stir in optional parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves to elevate the flavors before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Pasta
- Pasta Choice: Choose linguine for its ability to soak in flavors, but feel free to use other pasta shapes.
- Quick Stirring: Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic take the dish from good to great, so don’t skimp on these.
- Parmesan Perfection: Add parmesan off-heat for a creamy finish that won’t clump or become oily.
How to Serve One Pan Pasta
Garnishes
To top your One Pan Pasta, consider a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Basil leaves make for a beautiful and aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp, green salad tossed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, or serve alongside a slice of garlic bread to soak up all the saucy goodness. These sides complement the fresh flavors of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, twirl the pasta in serving bowls and drizzle with olive oil. A sprig of basil and a lemon wedge on the side not only jazz up the visuals but add extra zest for those who desire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This delicious pasta will maintain its freshness for up to 4-5 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Freezing
While pasta dishes generally don’t freeze well due to texture changes, you can freeze portions in individual containers right away to preserve as much quality as possible. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the pasta.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pan Pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is recommended for its texture, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner varieties.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the linguine with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and follow the same cooking instructions for delicious, safe dining.
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Is it possible to prepare One Pan Pasta in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently as needed, and add a splash of liquid to revitalize the sauce.
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Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added for a protein boost. Ensure they’re fully cooked before mixing them in at the final step.
Final Thoughts
I hope you adore this One Pan Pasta as much as I do! It’s a dish that’s all about ease, flavor, and adaptability, perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and let it become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
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-inspired
Description
This One Pan Pasta is a quick and easy meal that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and herbs cooked together with pasta in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a delicious, wholesome dish with customizable options for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
Fresh produce
- 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 and Oils
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups water, boiling
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: In a large deep pan, combine the linguine, cherry tomatoes, spinach, sliced onions, garlic, and chopped basil. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with crushed red pepper and salt.
- Add water and cook: Pour boiling water into the pan, ensuring that the pasta and vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer until done: Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally with tongs to prevent sticking and to help cook evenly. Continue until most of the water has evaporated, creating a flavorful sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra basil or cheese if preferred.
Notes
- Recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- For gluten-free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Vegan option: skip the parmesan or use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese.
- For creamier sauce, add a splash of milk or plant-based milk in place of some water.
- You can substitute other vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces of pasta (about 1/2 cup cooked)
- Calories: 367 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 551 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
