Easy One Pan Pasta
Easy One Pan Pasta recipe made with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs in just 32 minutes. Simple, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or reserved pasta cooking water
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- 1
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally, approximately 4 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 4
Pour the crushed tomatoes directly into the pan and stir to combine with the aromatics.
- 5
Add the dry pasta and the vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium and maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- 8
Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the cheese will add saltiness.
- 9
Remove the pan from heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to create a cohesive sauce throughout.
- 10
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and fold it in until fully incorporated and melted.
- 11
Garnish generously with fresh basil and parsley, allowing the herbs to brighten the rich tomato flavors.
- 12
Serve immediately in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper on the side.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Greek yogurt or unsweetened oat milk | Reduces saturated fat and calories while maintaining creamy texture and adding protein (with yogurt) or keeping it dairy-free (with oat milk) |
| Vegetable broth | Low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade stock | Reduces sodium intake significantly while deepening savory umami flavors without added salt |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes (2 pounds, blended) or fire-roasted canned tomatoes | Fresh tomatoes add brightness and natural sweetness while reducing sodium; fire-roasted version adds depth without extra ingredients |
| Whole milk pasta (penne, rigatoni) | Whole wheat or legume-based pasta (chickpea, lentil penne) | Dramatically increases fiber and protein while lowering glycemic impact on blood sugar |
| Parmesan cheese (¾ cup) | Nutritional yeast (¼ cup) mixed with ¼ cup grated Parmesan | Reduces saturated fat and sodium while adding B vitamins and a cheesy umami flavor |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 545 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 22mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 26g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 545 | 385 | 520 |
| Protein | 26g | 18g | 22g |
| Carbs | 71g | 42g | 68g |
| Fat | 15g | 14g | 14g |
| Fiber | 11g | 11g | 10g |
| Sugar | 8g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 6/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
