Tomato Basil Penne One-Pot Wonder
A super simple dinner made with hearty penne pasta, vibrant tomatoes, fresh spinach and basil, rich parmesan and pancetta and a seasoned broth. Everything is cooked together in one pot for a flavorful, hearty, and hassle-free dish!
- Prep15 min
- Cook30 min
- Total45 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings6
This one-pot pasta is a lifesaver on busy nights. You get the deep flavor of slowly cooked pancetta and onions, the brightness of fresh tomatoes and herbs, and the creamy richness of parmesan, all in a single pot.
The key is building layers of flavor: first the pancetta, then the aromatics, then the broth and tomatoes, and finally the pasta. The result is a perfectly al dente pasta with a light, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
Ingredients
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 5- or 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the penne pasta.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer until nearly al dente, about 11 minutes, stirring once halfway through. If needed, add a splash more broth.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. If the pasta seems dry, stir in a little extra broth.
- Add 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese, the chopped spinach, and the chopped basil. Toss everything gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted.
- Drizzle servings with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan.
💡 Tips
- For extra flavor, use a good-quality vegetable broth or even homemade.
- If you like a bit of heat, don't skip the red pepper flakes—they add a nice kick.
- Feel free to substitute pancetta with bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version.
Inspired by a recipe from Cooking Classy