Cozy One-Pan Tomato Basil

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Meals

This easy one-pan pasta blends ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil into a fragrant, wholesome dish. Simmered in vegetable broth until al dente, it's a perfect choice for cozy evenings. The method keeps cleanup simple while delivering fresh, vibrant flavors balanced with seasoning and optional cheese. A versatile meal suited for vegetarians and adaptable to different dietary needs.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:18:00 GMT
Steaming Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with vibrant red tomatoes and fresh basil, ready to serve. Save
Steaming Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with vibrant red tomatoes and fresh basil, ready to serve. | cloverhearth.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.

I first served this cozy tomato basil pasta on a chilly night and it instantly became a family favorite thanks to its simplicity and rich flavors.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried linguine or spaghetti
  • Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Liquids: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Herbs and Seasonings: 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional), 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.
A close-up of the delicious Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta, bubbling in a Dutch oven with herbs. Save
A close-up of the delicious Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta, bubbling in a Dutch oven with herbs. | cloverhearth.com

This recipe often brings my family around the table for warm, happy meals filled with laughter and delicious aromas.

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.

Garnished Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta, a comforting vegetarian meal with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Save
Garnished Cozy Fireplace One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta, a comforting vegetarian meal with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. | cloverhearth.com

This easy one pan pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy night in.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use gluten-free pasta with this dish?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly.

What type of tomato is best for this pasta?

Ripe cherry tomatoes are ideal, as they release sweetness and soften quickly during cooking.

Can I add protein to the dish?

Absolutely! Cannellini beans or cooked chicken pairs nicely when added with the tomatoes.

How is the fresh basil incorporated?

Basil is torn and stirred in after cooking to preserve its aroma and vibrant flavor.

What cheese complements this pasta best?

Freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese adds a savory finishing touch but is optional.

Cozy One-Pan Tomato Basil

Comforting one-pan pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic for flavorful cozy meals.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
20 minutes
Overall time
30 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson

Recipe type One-Pot Comfort Meals

Skill level Easy

Culinary roots Italian

Servings made 4 Portion size

Diet preferences Meatless

What you'll 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

How to make it

Step 01

Combine ingredients in skillet: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, add pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and vegetable broth.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Bring to boil: Place over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring regularly to prevent pasta from sticking.

Step 04

Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 05

Finish with basil and cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in torn fresh basil and half of the grated cheese (if using) until well blended.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with remaining basil and cheese.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (if using cheese). For dairy-free options, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 410
  • Fat content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 73 grams
  • Proteins: 13 grams