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One-Pot Tomato Pasta - Simple, Comforting, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 12 ounces dried spaghetti, linguine, or short pasta like penne or fusilli
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and richness
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • Onion or shallot: 1 small, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), or 2 cups cherry tomatoes plus 1 cup tomato passata
  • Water or broth: 3 to 3 1/2 cups, as needed
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Red pepper flakes: A pinch for gentle heat (optional)
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Fresh basil or parsley: A handful, chopped, for finishing
  • Parmesan or pecorino: Freshly grated, for serving
  • Sugar or balsamic vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon, only if needed to balance acidity

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Set a large, wide pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in oregano, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2 minutes to meld.
  4. Add liquid and pasta: Pour in 3 cups water or broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
  5. Simmer and stir: Reduce to a steady simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every 1–2 minutes to keep pasta from clumping. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add more hot water, 1/4 cup at a time.
  6. Taste for balance: When pasta is al dente (about 10–12 minutes, depending on shape), taste the sauce. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a few drops of balsamic. Adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Finish with herbs and cheese: Turn off heat. Stir in chopped basil or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Let the pasta rest 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve: Twirl into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan. Add more herbs and a crack of pepper if you like.