One Pan Pasta with Tomato, Basil, and Onion 🍝🍅

This delightful one-pan recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer! With vibrant tomatoes, aromatic basil, and sweet onions, this dish embodies simplicity and taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it comes together effortlessly in just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal! 🍷🥗

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz. spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

• In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

🌱 The combination of tomatoes releasing their juices and the onion caramelizing creates a rich, flavorful base for the pasta. Don't skip the garlic; it brings all the flavors together beautifully!

• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti, stirring well to submerge the pasta.

• Lower the heat to medium and cover the pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.

⚠️ Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. If it seems too dry before it's tender, add an additional splash of broth or water as necessary.

• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the torn basil leaves and lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor.

🍋 The citrusy zing from the lemon zest brightens the entire dish!

• Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking time as needed, as gluten-free pasta often requires different timing.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance the dish and make it heartier.
• Veggie Boost: Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture!
• Herb Swap: Try using parsley or cilantro if basil isn't available; fresh herbs always enhance the flavor!

Enjoy your One Pan Pasta with Tomato, Basil, and Onion—effortlessly gourmet and delicious! 🍽️