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Delicious One Pot Pasta with Tomato Basil ingredients in a pan

One Pot Pasta Tomato Basil

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A comforting and simple one-pot pasta dish made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and savory pancetta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz penne pasta Feel free to substitute with other types of pasta.
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach Fresh spinach adds a nice flavor.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Optional for garnish.
For the Sauce
  • 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 Tbsp for cooking, 2 Tbsp for drizzling.
  • 3 oz pancetta, diced Can be substituted with bacon.
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped yellow onion Provides a sweet flavor when sautéed.
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic Garlic enhances the overall flavor.
  • 2 3/4 cups vegetable broth, or more as needed Use low-sodium broth for less salt.
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes Canned tomatoes provide a rich base.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning Adds a herby flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1 cup finely shredded parmesan, divided Use half for cooking and half for serving.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a 5 or 6-quart pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced pancetta and sauté for about 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
  3. Toss in the chopped onion and continue to sauté for 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Stir in the penne pasta. Once added, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover, simmering until the pasta is nearly al dente, about 11 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  8. Allow the dish to rest off the heat for a few minutes. If it seems dry, add a splash more of vegetable broth.
  9. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, along with the chopped spinach and basil.
  10. Drizzle portions with the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with the other 1/2 cup of parmesan just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if too thick.
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