One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

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One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach is an easy, flavor packed pasta dish that comes together in 20 minutes all in one dish.

305 CAL 57g CARBS 13g FAT 11g PROTEIN
1 Comment

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.

Tomato basil pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in two bowls with a fork and knife.

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.

Pasta with tomatoes and basil in two bowls with fresh spinach and mushrooms.

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!

Tomato and basil pasta cooked in one pot with spinach, mushrooms, and garlic served on two plates.

More Delicious Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

The Recipe
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One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

305 CAL 57g CARBS 13g FAT 11g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 20 Min
TOTAL TIME: 25 Min
1 Comment
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste or leave out)
  • 8 oz. high fiber pasta
  • 2 cups mushrooms, halved
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (more if needed)
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 6 oz. fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil

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Instructions

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1

Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Cherry tomatoes and garlic cooking in a pot.
2

Add the pasta, mushrooms, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.

Pasta being added to cherry tomatoes in a pot.
3

Continue to cook the pasta, stirring often, until the sauce has reduced and is thick and almost evaporated. This should take between 12-14 minutes.

Tomato basil pasta cooking in a pot with a spoon.
4

Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach and basil until spinach wilts.

Spinach and basil being added to a pot of pasta.
5

Taste and season as needed. If desired top with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Cooked tomato and basil pasta with a wooden spoon.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1-1.5 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 305
Calories from Fat 116
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g
20%
Saturated Fat 1g
5%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 1751mg
76%
Total Carbohydrate 57g
19%
Dietary Fiber 9g
36%
Sugars 10g
Protein 11g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
1 Comment
On One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
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Jeanne Cafferata
January 10, 2023 - 19:14
Add a Rating:
5
Amazing! I added shrimp and went a little heavy on the crushed red pepper. Super simple and delicious for the whole family!
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