When you want a comforting homemade dinner without a pile of dishes, this easy one-pan pasta is exactly what you need. Everything cooks together in one skillet, creating a simple meal with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.
The pasta absorbs the flavorful broth and tomato sauce as it cooks, which gives the finished dish plenty of flavor without requiring a separate pot for the pasta.
It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes and is simple enough for beginner cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pan Pasta
- Everything cooks in one pan
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Minimal cleanup
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Rich tomato and garlic flavor
- Creamy texture from Parmesan
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Easy One-Pan Pasta
1. Sauté the Onion
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
2. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir constantly so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
3. Build the Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute.
The tomato paste helps create a richer, deeper tomato flavor.
4. Add the Pasta and Broth
Pour the broth into the skillet.
Add the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together.
Make sure most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet partially with a lid.
Cook for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
The pasta should become tender while absorbing the tomato and garlic flavors.
If the pan becomes dry before the pasta is completely cooked, add a small splash of broth.
6. Add the Cream
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the heavy cream.
The sauce should become smooth and creamy while still coating the pasta.
7. Add Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Mix gently until the cheese melts into the sauce.
8. Finish With Fresh Herbs
Add fresh basil and parsley.
Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and black pepper if necessary.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
What Pasta Works Best?
Penne is a great choice because the tubes hold onto the sauce.
You can also use:
- Rigatoni
- Rotini
- Ziti
- Farfalle
- Cavatappi
- Spaghetti
If using a different pasta shape, keep an eye on the cooking time because different shapes can cook at different rates.
How Do I Keep One-Pan Pasta From Getting Mushy?
The key is not overcooking it.
Start checking the pasta a few minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package.
Stir regularly so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth?
Absolutely.
Vegetable broth works perfectly if you want to keep the recipe vegetarian.
Chicken broth adds a little more savory flavor, but either option works well.
Easy Variations
Chicken One-Pan Pasta
Add cooked shredded or diced chicken near the end.
Sausage One-Pan Pasta
Brown sliced Italian sausage before adding the onion.
Spinach Tomato Pasta
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the final few minutes.
Mushroom Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion before adding the garlic.
Spicy One-Pan Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Cheesy One-Pan Pasta
Add shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy finish.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes.
This recipe is easy to customize with vegetables.
Try adding:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kale
For vegetables that take longer to cook, add them earlier in the process.
What to Serve With One-Pan Pasta
Although this pasta is filling on its own, a simple side can turn it into a complete dinner.
Try serving it with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Sautéed green beans
A simple green salad and warm garlic bread are my favorite combination.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead?
Yes, although this pasta is best served fresh.
If preparing it ahead, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat One-Pan Pasta
The sauce thickens as it cools, so add a splash of broth, milk, or water before reheating.
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Can I Freeze One-Pan Pasta?
You can, but the texture may become softer after thawing.
If you plan to freeze it, slightly undercook the pasta.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaghetti?
Yes. Break the spaghetti in half if necessary so it fits comfortably in the skillet.
Does the pasta need to be cooked first?
No. That’s what makes this recipe so convenient. The uncooked pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a small splash of broth or water and stir until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Why is my pasta still hard?
Different pasta shapes and brands cook at slightly different rates. Add a little more broth and continue simmering until tender.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. You can omit the cream for a lighter tomato pasta. The Parmesan will still add richness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and check that your Parmesan is suitable for your dietary preference.
Recipe Card
Easy One-Pan Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet.
- Sauté diced onion for 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Pour in broth and add uncooked pasta.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Remove from heat and add Parmesan.
- Finish with fresh basil and parsley.
- Serve immediately.