Cozy One-Pan Tomato Basil

Featured in: One-Pan Warm Comforts

This one-pan tomato basil pasta brings together ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil in a simple, flavorful dish. Prepared entirely in a single skillet, it offers an easy way to create a warm, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. Cooking pasta directly in vegetable broth and olive oil creates a rich, aromatic sauce that clings to every strand. Ideal for cozy evenings, this dish can be enhanced with Parmesan or plant-based cheese for a creamy finish.

Cooking involves simmering the pasta with tomatoes and broth until tender and flavorful, finishing with torn basil leaves and optional cheese. Adjust seasoning with sea salt, pepper, and chili flakes to your taste. It pairs beautifully with light red wines and can be customized with added proteins or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:49:00 GMT
Warm, steaming Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with a garnish of fresh basil for serving. Pin
Warm, steaming Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with a garnish of fresh basil for serving. | orchardcrust.com

A comforting, aromatic pasta dish made entirely in one pan, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic&perfect for cozy evenings by the fire.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried linguine or spaghetti
  • Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Vegetables: 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Liquids: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth
  • Liquids: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Herbs and Seasonings: 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
  • Herbs and Seasonings: ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Herbs and Seasonings: ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Herbs and Seasonings: 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for garnish
  • Cheese (optional): 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth.
Step 2:
Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Step 3:
Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
Step 4:
Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
Step 5:
Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh basil and half the cheese (if using) until well combined.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with extra basil and remaining cheese.
Pin
| orchardcrust.com

Notes

Pair with a light red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Grater (if using cheese)

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (if using cheese). For dairy free, omit cheese or use a plant based alternative. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Bright red cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil highlight this delicious Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. Pin
Bright red cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil highlight this delicious Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. | orchardcrust.com

Recipe Q&A

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this dish?

Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used. Adjust the cooking time and liquid volume as needed since gluten-free pasta may cook differently.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Stir frequently while the pasta simmers in the broth to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to add cheese?

Cheese is optional. Adding Parmesan or a vegetarian hard cheese enhances creaminess, but the dish is flavorful without it.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Yes, incorporate cooked chicken or drained cannellini beans with the tomatoes for added protein and texture.

What herbs complement the tomato and basil flavors?

Fresh basil is key, but you can also add a pinch of chili flakes or black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Cozy One-Pan Tomato Basil

A comforting one-pan pasta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic for warm, cozy meals.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
20 min
Overall time
30 min
Created by Ruby Hensley


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian

What You Need

Pasta

01 12 oz dried linguine or spaghetti

Vegetables

01 1 lb ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
02 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings

01 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
02 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
03 ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
04 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn, plus extra for garnish

Cheese (optional)

01 ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese

Steps

Step 01

Combine Ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine linguine or spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth.

Step 02

Season: Add sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional chili flakes to the mixture.

Step 03

Bring to Boil: Heat over high temperature until the mixture comes to a rolling boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 04

Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring regularly, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 05

Add Basil and Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in torn basil leaves and half of the grated cheese if using, blending thoroughly.

Step 06

Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately garnished with remaining basil and cheese.

Needed Tools

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater (if using cheese)

Allergen Warnings

Read ingredient labels to spot allergens. If unsure, consult your doctor or a specialist.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (if cheese is included). Avoid cheese or use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free diets. Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These figures are intended for reference—not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 13 g