One-Pot Garlicky Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
In short: Spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic and onion boiled together in one pan until the water becomes a glossy sauce, finished with fresh basil. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
In this method everything goes into one pan at the same time: dry pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, oil and water. As the pot boils, the tomatoes collapse, the pasta releases its starch, and the water reduces into a glossy sauce that clings to every strand. There is no draining, no separate sauce and almost no cleanup. It is ready in about twenty-five minutes, and fresh basil at the end makes it taste like summer.
Instructions
- Put the spaghetti in a large, wide, deep pan. Scatter the tomatoes, onion and garlic over it and add the oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
- Pour in the water. The pasta should be almost covered. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Boil briskly for 9 to 10 minutes, turning the pasta with tongs every minute or so so the strands cook evenly and do not stick together.
- The pasta is ready when it is just tender and most of the water has evaporated, leaving a thick, glossy sauce. If it looks dry before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of hot water.
- Take the pan off the heat, tear in most of the basil and toss well. Let it stand for 2 minutes so the sauce clings.
- Serve in warm bowls with the remaining basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Use a pan wide enough that the pasta lies flat, or break the spaghetti in half for a smaller pot. Short pasta also works and needs the same water.
- Finish with toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a handful of spinach in the last minute for color.
Questions and answers
Why is my one-pot pasta sticky?
The pasta was not turned often enough early on. Toss it with tongs for the first few minutes while it softens.
Does this work with other pasta shapes?
Yes. Penne, fusilli or small shells work and may need 1 to 2 minutes more. Check the package and taste for doneness.
Can I add protein?
Stir in a can of drained white beans or chickpeas near the end, or add cubed firm tofu for the last 2 minutes.
How long does it take to make One-Pot Garlicky Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in One-Pot Garlicky Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 14 g of protein, 78 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 78 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
