Description
This One Pan Pasta recipe offers a quick and easy way to cook delicious spaghetti or linguine with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese all in one skillet. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this flavorful Italian-inspired dish requires minimal cleanup and delivers a satisfying meal with vibrant flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, add the uncooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, sliced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes if using, vegetable broth or water, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to prepare for cooking.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring frequently with tongs to prevent sticking. The pasta should become al dente and the liquid will reduce, forming a light sauce.
- Add Spinach: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the baby spinach if using. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, incorporating its flavor into the pasta.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the pasta to sit for a minute so the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the pasta warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for additional protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- This one-pan method works best with long, thin pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti.
