One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

Meet your new weeknight obsession: One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta! This ultra-simple, vibrant dish brings all the sunny, garden-fresh flavors of summer to your table in just 20 minutes, with minimal prep and hardly any dishes. It’s a comforting bowl of spaghetti tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, bold basil, and a hint of chili — the kind of fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is refreshingly short — but don’t let that fool you! Each component is carefully chosen for big flavor, color, and plenty of comfort. Here’s why each one matters:

• Olive oil: The foundation for a rich, glossy base; choose extra-virgin for its peppery depth.
• Garlic: Minced fresh, it sizzles into the oil, filling your kitchen with irresistible aroma and bold flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, these little gems break down to make the dreamy sauce.
• Harissa or Calabrian chili paste: Just a spoonful adds subtle heat, a touch of smokiness, and earthy complexity. Adjust to taste!
• Spaghetti (use gluten-free if desired): The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing tomato juices for extra deliciousness.
• Boiling water: Ensures the spaghetti hydrates perfectly as everything simmers together, building that silky, starchy sauce.
• Nutritional yeast: A clever, dairy-free sprinkle that brings savory, cheesy notes without actual cheese.
• Fresh basil: Torn or sliced right before serving, basil delivers a burst of green, fragrant, Italian summer vibes.

Variations

This One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is a dream for improvisers! Don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have in your fridge, or tweak it for dietary needs, heat levels, or extra veggie power.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in sliced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and color — just add them when you stir in the pasta.
• Make It Creamy: Swirl in a splash of plant-based cream or a dollop of vegan cream cheese once the pasta is tender for a silkier sauce.
• Turn Up the Heat: Extra harissa or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give this dish bolder, fiery energy if you love spice.
• Protein Power: Amp it up with chickpeas, white beans, or vegan sausage slices added during simmering for extra heartiness.

How to Make One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in your sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes — you’ll know you’re on the right track when the kitchen fills with the savory scent of sizzling garlic and the tomatoes start to blister and soften, releasing their juices. Give it about 3 minutes for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Add Spice and Toss

Spoon in the harissa or Calabrian chili paste and stir to coat the tomatoes and garlic completely. This is where that subtle heat and smokiness sneak in, giving the base of your One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta its signature character.

Step 3: Pasta Meets Pan

Next, lay your spaghetti right on top of the saucy tomato mixture. Carefully pour in the boiling water, swirling the pan so the pasta begins to soften and submerge. The secret? No need to pre-cook or drain — it’s all happening together!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring it all to a lively simmer, stirring frequently so the spaghetti cooks evenly and absorbs those fantastic tomato juices. In about 10-12 minutes, the pasta will be tender and the water will have reduced into a glossy sauce that clings to each strand.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Once the pasta’s just cooked and the sauce looks silky, turn off the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast for that irresistible cheesy depth, and immediately add a generous handful of torn basil. Serve the One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta hot — maybe with a flourish of vegan parmesan — and savor every bite!

How to Serve One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of torn fresh basil is a must for One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta, but don’t stop there! Add vegan parmesan, cracked black pepper, a handful of toasted pine nuts, or even a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for an extra layer of richness and color.

Side Dishes

This pasta loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad, simple roasted vegetables, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a platter of marinated olives or a tangy vegan caprese salad makes it a Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta family-style in the pan with a big spoon for total cozy vibes, or twirl into individual bowls and top each with a dramatic basil leaf and scatter of parmesan. For picnics, chill the leftovers to make a bright, flavor-packed pasta salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep happily for up to 3 days — perfect for easy lunches or a next-day dinner reheat.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, the fresh basil and delicate tomatoes may lose some of their spark after thawing. If you do freeze, use freezer-safe containers and enjoy the pasta within 1 month for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or plant milk to loosen up the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Add a fresh sprinkle of basil before serving to revive those sunny flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give yourself the gift of culinary simplicity and pure flavor with One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta! Whether you’re cooking for a whole table or just treating yourself after a long day, you’ll love the ease, freshness, and delicious comfort this cozy bowl brings. Don’t wait for tomato season — try it tonight and fall in love with how easy real Italian-inspired food can be!

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