One-Pan Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine
or spaghetti
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
washed and halved
- 1 small white or yellow onion)
about 1 cup
- 3 garlic cloves
peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 - 3 sprigs of basil
plus some extra chopped leaves for garnish
- 2 ounces baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
plus more to finish
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
optional
- or to taste1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 4 cups water
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese grated
optional, plus more to finish
Directions
- 1
In a large straight-sided saute pan, or skillet, place the linguini, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil sprigs, and spinach. Make sure the linguine is laying flat in the pan. Drizzle everything with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and few pinches of red pepper flakes, if using. Pour in the 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 2
Once boiling, use tongs to stir and lift the pasta around every so often so that it separates and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. After 7 minutes, start testing the pasta for doneness. If it needs more time and most of the water has evaporated, add 1 cup of boiling water. Otherwise, continue to cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes more.
- 3
Turn off the heat and gently toss the pasta a few more times. There might still be some liquid but it will contuse to be absorbed by the pasta. Stir in the parmesan, if using and toss to combine.
- 4
Divide among bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle more of parmesan cheese, if desired.
One-Pan Pasta
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About this Recipe
Tired of juggling multiple pots and pans for dinner? This astonishingly quick and delicious One-Pan Pasta brings authentic flavors to your table with minimal fuss and even less cleanup, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its unique one-pan method, where all the ingredients – from the linguine to the vibrant cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil – simmer together. This innovative technique not only infuses every strand of pasta with incredible depth of flavor but also significantly reduces your time in the kitchen and the stack of dishes afterwards. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special when cooked smarter, not harder.
What to Expect
Prepare for a delightful sensory experience. You'll enjoy perfectly al dente linguine, each strand coated in a luscious, light sauce formed from the juices of burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and sweet onion or shallot. The baby spinach wilts gently into the mix, adding a subtle earthiness, while fresh basil permeates the entire dish with its signature perfume. Expect a savory, fresh taste, brightened by optional crushed red pepper for a gentle warmth, and finished with a creamy hint of Parmesan. This dish tastes far more complex than its easy preparation suggests, offering comforting warmth with vibrant, garden-fresh notes.
Customization & Variations
This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch. While linguine or spaghetti are recommended, feel free to use another long pasta you have on hand. A small white or yellow onion can easily stand in for a shallot. Customize the spice level by adjusting the crushed red pepper to your preference. To make this naturally flavorful dish dairy-free, simply omit the optional Parmesan cheese.
Serving & Context
This One-Pan Pasta is perfect for those evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the lengthy commitment. Serve it directly from the pan, perhaps with a simple green salad on the side, and don't forget that extra drizzle of quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an elevated finish.