One Pot Pasta

A comforting, no-fuss pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot. Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, broth, pasta, and parmesan all come together in just 20 minutes. No draining, no mess — just a creamy, flavorful meal. Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pasta •No draining needed — pasta cooks right in the sauce •Fresh flavors from garlic, tomatoes, and basil •Dinner ready in ~20 minutes — quick and satisfying •Totally customizable — add veggies, meat, or change pasta shape •Comforting yet light — perfect weeknight meal Jo Cooks Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes •Pasta shape matters — thin ones cook faster, thick ones take longer •Use fresh garlic (avoid jarred) for better flavor •Cherry tomatoes are ideal, but you can use chopped tomatoes too •Choose good olive oil — it plays a major role in the dish’s taste •Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded ones •Low-sodium broth is best so you control the salt •Red pepper flakes (optional) add a nice heat kick Jo Cooks How to Make One Pot Pasta 1. Sauté onion & garlic •Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large pot •Cook chopped onion for ~3 minutes until soft •Add minced garlic and stir for ~30 seconds (don’t burn it) Jo Cooks 2. Add tomatoes & seasonings •Toss in cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes •Cook until tomatoes begin to soften Jo Cooks 3. Add pasta & broth •Add linguine (or preferred pasta) + broth to the pot •Bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally to avoid sticking Jo Cooks 4. Cook until al dente •Simmer ~10 minutes or until pasta is cooked but still firm •Stir in Parmesan, basil, and a little extra olive oil off heat Jo Cooks How to Serve & Variations •Serve straight from the pot or in bowls •Top with extra Parmesan, basil, or drizzle more olive oil •Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein •Use different pasta shapes — just adjust cooking time Jo Cooks +1 Storage & Reheating Tips •Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days •Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water when warming to loosen sauce •Freezing: Not recommended — texture can get mushy Jo Cooks Final Thoughts One Pot Pasta is a great choice for busy days — fast, flavorful, and low on mess. With fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, it's a dish full of bright tastes without much fuss. Try it as is, or customize with your favorite additions like veggies or protein. Either way, dinner is done in about 20 minutes.