One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

This one-pot tomato basil pasta with mushrooms and spinach is an easy, flavor-packed meatless pasta meal that comes together in 20 minutes. It’s a perfect one-pot weeknight meal! Minimal cleanup required.

I have a mild obsession with one-pot pasta meals these days, like this one-pot creamy parmesan chicken broccoli pasta. It’s just so satisfying to cook everything in one dish and have an amazing dinner in under 30 minutes.

Time-saving dishes like this one are key for getting everyone to their evening commitments and still eating a healthy, home-cooked meal!

Plus, I love making dishes with penne pasta because it’s heartier than elbow noodles but doesn’t require the twisting and twirling workout that long noodles such as spaghetti or linguine demand.

And, I have to say- this creamy one-pot tomato basil pasta recipe definitely hits the spot! It's full of tomato flavor with notes of garlic and basil. Plus, the pasta cooks directly in the tomato basil pasta sauce, which helps it to get deliciously thick and creamy from the starch in the pasta without the need for using cream or butter.

Add in earthy mushrooms and leafy spinach - wow, we have a winner! It’s a delicious meal that can use veggies and herbs directly from your garden and the entire family will ask you to make it again and again.

What You’ll Need For Tomato Basil Pasta

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty tomato and basil pasta dish at home:

• Olive Oil: Just a little bit of olive oil in your pasta water helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming one big glob as it cooks.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bite-sized, no need for dicing, and packed with delicious tomato-y flavor. Swap in regular tomatoes or canned tomatoes if needed.
• Garlic: This dish tastes best if you use minced fresh garlic cloves. However, you can use dried minced garlic if you need to or want a less potent garlic flavor in your dish. I love the taste of garlic, so I always have fresh garlic cloves around my kitchen!
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add to your taste preference or leave out altogether. Totally up to you!
• Pasta: Use a high fiber variety such as a whole grain pasta, because it will keep you feeling full for longer and provide essential nutrients rather than empty calories.
• Mushrooms: I like using halved fresh mushrooms, but if you’re in a bind, you could totally use canned sliced mushrooms for this recipe.
• Spinach: You’ll want to use fresh spinach in this dish, but it cooks down and gets soft very quickly.
• Basil: I highly recommend using fresh basil because that’s where you’ll get that intense flavor that just makes this dish so special.

Note: Please check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this one-pot tomato basil pasta recipe!

Recipe Tips And Ideas For Tomato and Basil Pasta

Here are a few simple ideas to add some delicious variety to this dish.

• I usually top my pasta dish with some kind of cheese, such as feta or parmesan, but even ricotta cheese is delicious.
• When I’m craving a little meaty protein, I will throw in some chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey sausage. White beans are a great meatless option.
• Need a gluten-free option? Swap out the wheat-filled pasta for some gluten-free chickpea pasta!
• Consider serving this pasta dish with some homemade garlic bread and a healthy kale side caesar salad.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Pasta

Here are some common questions I get asked by some readers…

How do you add basil to pasta?

Truly, it couldn’t be easier. Fresh basil is delicious as it is immediately off the plant. I simply add fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking this pasta so that the hot noodles and sauce soften the leaves without overcooking them.

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

While you can use frozen spinach, I wouldn’t recommend it due to its wilted, watery consistency. This light and fresh dish really demands fresh spinach leaves to keep that same texture and lightness as well as to help the dish thicken and get creamy.

How long does this pasta last?

This dish is best fresh. However, you can store this dish in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days if necessary. You can reheat it in the microwave, but don’t be surprised if both the spinach and basil leaves wilt a little.

Can I freeze pasta?

I’m not a big fan of freezing spinach and basil. But, if you prefer to make food ahead of time, use these adjustments to the recipe so you can freeze it and it still tastes fresh when you’re ready to eat it.

1. Cook the recipe according to the directions until you get to the last step which says to add the spinach and basil.
2. Allow the dish to cool after cooking then put it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it out at room temperature and then reheat it in a saucepan on medium heat and stir frequently. You may need to add a little bit of vegetable broth so it doesn’t dry out. Once it’s hot, add fresh spinach and basil and stir everything to combine.
4. Serve and enjoy!

More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• One-Pot Creamy Parmesan Chicken Broccoli Pasta
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta
• Baked Zucchini Pasta
• Sausage and Pepper Pasta Shells
• 31 Healthy Pasta Recipes