Sometimes, you just want a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. That’s exactly why this one pot tomato basil pasta is the perfect go-to meal. It’s cheesy, saucy, loaded with fresh veggies, and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and satisfying. With simple ingredients and one pot, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Method
Add it all in
To start, grab your large pot and place it on the stove. Into the pot, pour in the full box of @jovialfoods elbows (or any short pasta you have), followed by the marinara sauce and water. Then, add your halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in all the seasonings Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. These will give the pasta rich flavor from the very beginning. Give everything a good stir using your wooden spoon to make sure the sauce is evenly mixed and the seasonings are well-distributed.
Boil it up
Once everything is combined in the pot, turn your heat to high. Let the mixture come to a rolling boil this is when big bubbles are rising to the surface. It should take just a few minutes. Keep an eye on it and give it a quick stir now and then to keep things from sticking.
Simmer and stir
As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high. Let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often. This part is important because the pasta is cooking directly in the sauce and water, which will absorb into the noodles and help the sauce thicken. Stirring helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot or clumping together. After 10 minutes, the pasta should be tender but still have a little bite (that’s what chefs call “al dente”).
Add spinach
Next, toss in the fresh spinach. It might seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry spinach wilts down quickly as it cooks. Stir the leaves into the hot pasta, making sure they get evenly mixed in. Let the spinach cook for about 5 more minutes. Keep stirring every minute or so to keep everything moving and cooking evenly.
Turn it down & finish it up
Now it’s time for the final touches! Turn your heat down to low. Add in the fresh basil and the shredded parmesan cheese. Stir everything slowly and gently, allowing the cheese to melt and the basil to release its delicious aroma into the sauce. You’ll notice the pasta becoming extra creamy and full of cheesy goodness. Once everything looks melty, saucy, and well mixed, your One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is ready to serve!
Necessary Tools
You don’t need a lot to make this! Just grab:
- A large pot (big enough for everything!)
- A wooden spoon or any big spoon for stirring
- A knife and cutting board (for the tomatoes and basil)
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A grater (if you’re using block parmesan)
Easy One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta (20-Minute Cheesy Dinner Recipe)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the magic happen:
1 box @jovialfoods elbows (or any short pasta)
1 jar or can of marinara sauce (about 15 oz)
3 cups water
2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil
4 cups spinach
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Let’s make this pasta party happen!
Add it all in:
In your large pot, add the pasta, marinara sauce, water, cherry tomatoes, and all the seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper). Give it a good stir! - Boil it up:
Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. - Simmer and stir:
Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to medium-high. Stir often and let it cook for 10 minutes. The pasta will start to soften, and the sauce will thicken. - Add spinach:
Toss in your spinach and cook for 5 more minutes. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom. - Turn it down & finish it up:
Lower the heat to low and gently mix in the fresh basil and parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is melted, gooey, and ready to eat!
Notes
- Don’t walk away while it boils! Pasta can stick fast, so keep stirring every few minutes.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Taste it after 10 minutes you want it soft but not mushy.
- Spinach shrinks A LOT. It may look like too much at first, but it cooks down quickly.
- Add the cheese last. If you add it too early, it can stick to the pot instead of the pasta!
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a full meal by itself, but here are some yummy extras you can serve with it:
- Garlic bread or buttery toast
- A fresh green salad
- Extra parmesan on top (because cheese = happiness)
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for extra spice
Fun Fact
Did you know basil is a part of the mint family? That’s why it smells so fresh and tastes so bold. It’s also been used in cooking for thousands of years!
Conclusion
And there you have it, your delicious one pot tomato basil pasta ready in just 20 minutes! This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a rich, comforting, and flavorful meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this dish never disappoints. Give this one pot tomato basil pasta a try and enjoy an easy dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
