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4.8 from 18 votes

One Pot Pasta Recipe {Tomato Basil}

A super simple dinner made with hearty penne pasta, vibrant tomatoes, fresh spinach and basil, rich parmesan and pancetta and a seasoned broth. Everything is cooked together in one pot for a flavorful, hearty, and hassle-free dish!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 oz. pancetta, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)
  • 2 3/4 cups vegetable broth, or more as needed
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 oz. (3 3/4 cups) penne pasta (tested with Barilla)
  • 1 1/2 cups (1.5 oz) chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup (2.2 oz) finely shredded parmesan, divided

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a 5 or 6 quart pot over medium heat. Add pancetta and saute 2 minutes.
  2. Add onion and saute 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a simmer, stir in pasta.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until pasta is nearly al dente, about 11 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  6. Let rest a few minutes off heat, add another splash of broth if needed.
  7. Toss in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, the spinach and basil.
  8. Drizzling servings with remaining 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup parmesan.