Quick Pasta in One Pot

This One Pot Pasta with tomatoes and basil is a true wonder of simple and quick cooking. The secret lies in cooking all ingredients together in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of all ingredients and creating a creamy sauce.

When I tried this recipe for the first time, I was skeptical whether the pasta would cook perfectly in the vegetable-cream mixture. The result immediately convinced me though - the pasta was al dente, the sauce creamy, and the flavor intense.

Main Ingredients

• Pasta: Short varieties like penne or farfalle are particularly suitable as they cook evenly
• Cherry tomatoes: Provide sweetness and freshness and partially break down during cooking
• Basil: Gives the dish its characteristic Mediterranean flavor
• Cream: Ensures the creamy consistency of the sauce and softens the acidity of the tomatoes
• Parmesan: Adds depth and umami flavor and helps bind the sauce

Pin it

Detailed Preparation

Perfectly prepare ingredients

Start by cutting the onion into thin strips - the finer they are, the quicker they'll soften. Finely chop the garlic or press it through a garlic press to optimally release its aroma. Halve the cherry tomatoes so they can more easily release their juice during cooking. Roughly chop the basil, keeping some nice leaves aside for garnish. Have all ingredients ready, as the cooking process is very quick and there's no time for further chopping.

Everything in one pot

Use a large, preferably coated pot so the pasta doesn't stick. Add the dry pasta, prepared onions, garlic, and tomatoes to the pot. Add the tomato paste, water, cream, salt, and pepper and stir well once so the pasta is completely covered with liquid. Stir in most of the chopped basil, keeping some leaves aside for garnishing.

The cooking process

Place the pot with the closed lid on high heat and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, remove the lid, reduce heat to medium, and let cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir every 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. The cooking time depends on the cooking time indicated on the pasta package - typically 8-11 minutes. The liquid should thicken during cooking and form a creamy sauce.

Final steps

Shortly before the end of cooking time, stir in the grated parmesan, which makes the sauce additionally creamy and bound. Remove the pasta from the heat and let it stand briefly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little hot water; if it's too thin, let it simmer a moment longer. Distribute the finished One Pot Pasta onto plates and garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves and, if desired, with additional parmesan.

I've found that this dish works particularly well when I use a pot with a heavy bottom that distributes heat evenly. The One Pot Pasta is also an excellent basic recipe that can be adapted according to season and preferences.

Efficient Kitchen Wonders

One Pot Pasta is a brilliant example of modern, efficient cooking that comes without compromising on taste. The method of cooking all ingredients together probably has its origins in traditional Italian pasta preparation but has become popular in recent years through food bloggers and social media. The big advantage of this method lies not only in saving time and energy but also in that the starch from the pasta is directly incorporated into the sauce, providing a natural creaminess. The result is a flavorful, creamy dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Variation Possibilities

The basic recipe can be adapted as desired:

• For an autumnal version, add mushrooms and thyme
• For a summery variation, use zucchini, yellow bell pepper, and fresh oregano
• For protein lovers, cook with diced ham, chicken breast, or shrimp
• For a vegan option, use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan

Tips for Perfect One Pot Pasta

• Choose the right pasta: Short shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli are best suited as they cook evenly and can be stirred well
• Pay attention to liquid amount: As a rule of thumb, the pasta should be just barely covered
• Stir regularly: Especially important to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
• Timing is everything: Add quick-cooking vegetables later so they don't fall apart
• Use residual heat: After cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes so the sauce can thicken a bit more

Pin it

Storage and Leftovers

One Pot Pasta tastes best freshly prepared but can also be stored. It keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When reheating, add a little water or milk, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. For creative use of leftovers, the pasta remainder can be baked the next day with some cream, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs - creating a delicious pasta casserole.

Nutritional Optimization

For a healthier version of this dish, you can:

• Use whole grain pasta instead of white pasta
• Replace the cream with low-fat yogurt or plant-based cream
• Add more vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell pepper
• Reduce the salt content and use herbs for more flavor

After preparing this recipe several times, I can say that the One Pot Pasta with tomatoes and basil is not only a savior on hectic days but also a complete dish that convinces with its taste. The simplicity of preparation stands in beautiful contrast to the complexity of flavors that develop during the cooking process. Try it and discover how much flavor can come from so few ingredients and with so little effort!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which pasta type works best?

Medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, fusilli or farfalle with a cooking time of 8-11 minutes work best. Very thin pasta like spaghettini might cook too quickly, while thicker varieties like rigatoni may need more liquid and time.

→ Can I use fresh pasta?

Fresh pasta has a much shorter cooking time and therefore doesn't work optimally for this recipe. It's better to stick with dried pasta so all ingredients can cook evenly.

→ What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick or too thin?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more water. For a sauce that's too thin, extend the cooking time slightly or stir in an extra tablespoon of parmesan to thicken the sauce.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, replace the cream with a plant-based cooking alternative like oat cream or coconut milk. Instead of parmesan, you can use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese substitute, or simply omit it and season with a bit more salt and possibly nutritional yeast.

→ How can I vary the recipe?

You can add various vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms. Pesto instead of tomato paste also gives a nice flavor variation. For added protein, chicken pieces, canned tuna or white beans work well.

→ Can I pre-cook the one pot pasta?

This dish tastes best freshly prepared. If you want to pre-cook it, use slightly less liquid so the pasta doesn't get too soft when reheating. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more water or cream.