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One Pot Tomato Pasta – the ultimate mid-week meal. Quick, easy, and full of flavour, this fuss-free dish is perfect for busy families and picky eaters.
One Pot Tomato Pasta (The Ultimate Mid-week Meal)
Course: Lunch, DinnerServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
15
minutesTotal time
25
minutesNothing can be simpler than this mid-week lifesaver: a one-pot tomato pasta.
It’s the perfect dinner or lunch dish, and it’s ready and on the table in around 25 minutes.
Kids love the easy flavors and soft, cozy texture. It’s also a lovely vegetarian option with a simple salad. I love that it’s a low-mess, low-clean-up option!
For another kid-approved pasta recipe – check out these healthy turkey meatballs with pasta.
Ingredients
350g (12 ounces) dried pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
800g (28 ounces) canned diced tomatoes
480ml (2 cups) vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients:
Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure the remaining ingredients. - Saute the aromatics:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. - Add the tomatoes and broth:
Pour the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth or water. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Bring to a simmer:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the dried pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. - Cook the pasta:
Add the pasta to the simmering liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions or until the pasta is al dente, and the sauce has thickened, usually around 10-12 minutes. - Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the one-pot tomato pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil leaves, if desired.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Making One-Pot Tomato Pasta
This is what NOT to do when making this one-pot pasta recipe:
- Adding too much liquid: Adding too much liquid can result in a watery sauce and overcooked pasta. Be sure to measure the liquid accurately according to the recipe instructions.
- Using the wrong type of pasta: Not all pasta shapes are suitable for one-pot cooking. Some shapes, like spaghetti and penne, work well because they cook evenly and absorb the sauce effectively. However, delicate shapes like angel hair or large shapes like lasagna noodles may not cook properly in a one-pot method. Stick to pasta shapes recommended in the recipe for best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: It’s important to monitor the pasta while cooking to prevent overcooking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture, and your kids will want to run for the hills. Follow the cooking time specified in the recipe and test the pasta for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
- Not Stirring frequently: Stirring the pasta occasionally while it cooks helps prevent it from sticking together and ensures even cooking. Refrain from stirring frequently to avoid clumpy pasta and unevenly cooked noodles. You want to gently stir the pasta every few minutes throughout the cooking process.
