One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe

I absolutely love this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe because it feels like a fresh breeze on a busy weeknight. It’s so satisfying to throw everything into one pan and watch the magic happen — the cherry tomatoes pop perfectly, the spinach wilts just right, and the basil adds that irresistible herbal lift. Plus, clean-up is a breeze, which makes dinner time way more enjoyable.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how flavorful a dish could be with just a handful of simple ingredients and one pot. This One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe works beautifully when you want a wholesome meal without the fuss, whether for a quick weekday dinner or a laid-back weekend lunch. You’ll find it’s a total go-to whenever you crave something comforting but light.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe is really in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients — each one bringing a unique flavor and texture. When shopping, look for ripe, fragrant basil and sweet cherry tomatoes for the best results.

• Linguine: I love using linguine here because it holds the sauce beautifully without getting soggy.
• Cherry tomatoes: Choose bright, firm tomatoes that will burst nicely during cooking.
• Baby spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds lovely color and nutrients.
• Small onion: Sliced thinly for gentle sweetness without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic cloves: I always use fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
• Fresh basil leaves: Roughly chopped basil adds a fresh, herbal punch that’s essential here.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A good drizzle brings richness and helps meld all the flavors.
• Crushed red pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick without overwhelming.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors — don’t skip it!
• Parmesan cheese (optional): I usually love adding a sprinkle for depth and creaminess, but you can leave it out or use a vegan substitute.
• Boiling water: This helps cook the pasta and release juices from the tomatoes simultaneously.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe by swapping in different veggies or playing with the spice level — that way, you can really make it your own and keep it exciting.

• Protein Boost: Adding cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp makes this dish a more substantial meal that my family loves.
• Vegan Twist: Skip the Parmesan and toss in a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Veggie Swap: Try kale instead of spinach or include sliced zucchini for extra texture and nutrients.
• Make it Creamy: I’ve added a splash of milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make the sauce richer — totally delicious!

How to Make One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Assemble Your Ingredients in the Pan

Start by placing the linguine in a large, deep pan — don’t worry about breaking it; it’ll soften and fit as it cooks. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, finely sliced onion, garlic, and most of your fresh basil (hold some back for garnish). Drizzle the top with extra virgin olive oil and season everything with crushed red pepper and salt. This layering helps build flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Add Boiling Water and Bring to a Simmer

Pour in four cups of boiling water — this quickens the cooking time and helps the tomatoes release their juices, turning into a natural sauce. Turn the heat to medium and bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally with tongs to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly. You’ll notice the water slowly reduces as the pasta softens, which means sauce magic is happening.

Step 3: Let the Sauce Thicken and Finish with Cheese

After about 8 to 10 minutes, when most of the water has evaporated and the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from heat. Now stir in your grated Parmesan cheese for a velvety finish and toss in the remaining fresh basil. This final step turns your simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal — serve it immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

How to Serve One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this pasta with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color. Sometimes I drizzle a little more good olive oil or add toasted pine nuts for crunch — it really enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. My family also enjoys a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this One Pan Pasta in individual rustic bowls with a little basil sprig perched on top, and some edible flowers when I had them handy—it makes a simple dish feel a bit festive and lovely on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4-5 days. Just mix gently before reheating, as the sauce might settle.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this pasta because the texture of fresh spinach and basil changes after freezing, but if you want to, freeze without cheese and add it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently warming it on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but watch out for drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Fresh Basil Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that’s both incredibly simple and wonderfully flavorful. I love that you can rely on it when you want a satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. So grab a pan, some fresh ingredients, and enjoy the magic for yourself — I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this one, just like I did!

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