One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite as cheerful and satisfying as a comforting bowl of One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta. This recipe’s bright cherry tomatoes, peppery basil, and hint of heat come together in one pot for a weeknight dinner that feels like pure magic—but with barely any cleanup.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta celebrates simplicity, so you’ll want each ingredient to really shine. Every component plays a special role—bringing out the freshest flavors, silky textures, and fragrant aromas that turn a handful of pantry staples into something spectacular.

• Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base and helps the garlic and tomatoes sauté to sweet perfection.
• Garlic (5 cloves): Don’t hold back—the more garlicky, the more addictive the sauce becomes. Slice or mince it finely for even flavor throughout.
• Cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups): These little gems burst as they cook, creating a luscious, naturally sweet sauce and vibrant color.
• Harissa paste (or Calabrian chili paste): Either brings just the right amount of gentle heat and smoky depth; use more or less to suit your spice cravings.
• Spaghetti (½ lb): Classic spaghetti makes the whole thing irresistibly slurpable, but you can go gluten-free if needed—just check your package guidance for best results.
• Boiling water (3½ cups): Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce infuses it with tons of tomato flavor and creates a silky “one pot” broth that thickens as it simmers down.
• Nutritional yeast (⅓ cup): A plant-based powerhouse for cheesy, umami-rich notes—don’t skip it if you want that savory finish!
• Fresh basil (generous handful): Torn over at the end, basil brings an herbaceous pop of green and unmistakable fragrance.

Variations

One of the joys of One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is just how easy it is to tweak for your mood, the season, or what you have in your pantry. Don’t be afraid to riff a little—it’s almost impossible to mess up! Here are several ways to make this dish completely your own.

• Change up the spice: Swap harissa for sriracha or even a pinch of red chili flakes, or keep it mild with sweet paprika for a kid-friendly version.
• Try a different pasta shape: Penne, rotini, or linguine all work beautifully—just be sure to monitor the cook time as it may vary slightly.
• Add greens or veggies: Toss in a handful of baby spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant during the last few minutes for a boost of color and nutrients.
• Make it extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cashew cream or a splash of coconut milk before adding the basil for added richness.

How to Make One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat your olive oil in a roomy sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cherry tomatoes, letting the tomatoes sizzle and soften while the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic—about 3 minutes. This short step is where your kitchen fills with that cozy, Italian trattoria scent!

Step 2: Add the Heat

Spoon in the harissa or Calabrian chili paste and stir to coat the tomatoes and garlic, waking up the flavors and infusing the oil with a gentle warmth. Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your own spice tolerance—the sauce should have a little tingle, but not overpower the sweet-tomato base.

Step 3: Build the Pasta

Add the dry spaghetti directly into the pan (breaking in half if needed to fit), then pour boiling water over. Use tongs to gently move the pasta around so it doesn’t clump. The pasta and tomatoes will start to mingle as they cook side by side, soaking up all those gorgeous flavors.

Step 4: Let it Simmer

Continue to cook, stirring often, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the water has evaporated—this takes about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a shiny, almost creamy sauce clings to the pasta from the combined tomato juices and starches.

Step 5: Finish & Enjoy

Turn off the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory kick, then scatter in a big handful of freshly torn basil. Toss everything well to let the basil wilt and the flavors get friendly. Serve immediately—and don’t forget a little extra basil or vegan parmesan on top if you’re inclined!

How to Serve One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, shower your One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, or even a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. A quick drizzle of fruity olive oil right before serving adds irresistible shine and depth—don’t hold back on the finishing touches!

Side Dishes

This pasta is fabulous on its own, but a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil makes things light and balanced. If you’re craving comfort, serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up every drop of that velvety tomato-basil sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family style, tumble the pasta into a big ceramic bowl, scatter with plenty of greens, and let everyone help themselves. Want to impress? Twirl the noodles into small nests using tongs, perch them on individual plates, and top with a basil sprig and scatter of vegan cheese—rustic yet elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge—store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce as it sits, but that just means every strand gets even more flavorful!

Freezing

While pasta can lose a bit of its perfect texture after freezing, you can certainly freeze leftovers for up to one month. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or plant milk to loosen up the sauce and gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring frequently. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot and revived to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—it’s cheerful, quick, satisfying, and packed with the best of summer (no matter the season). Give it a try, play with your own twists, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for cozy nights, busy weekdays, and impromptu gatherings. Enjoy every vibrant bite!

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