One Pot Penne Pasta

Picture this: it’s been a long day, and the thought of washing multiple pots and pans feels overwhelming. That’s where this incredibly aromatic and satisfying One Pot Penne Pasta comes to the rescue. The rich tomato sauce mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting dish that’s both effortless and delicious. The beauty of this One Pot Penne Pasta lies in its simplicity – everything cooks together, allowing the pasta to absorb all those magnificent flavors. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor, all while keeping your kitchen clean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Penne Pasta recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. First, there’s the convenience factor – everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The pasta absorbs the savory broth as it cooks, resulting in noodles that are infused with flavor rather than just coated with sauce.

The textural contrast is what makes this dish truly special. The penne maintains that perfect al dente bite, while the sauce reduces to a silky consistency that clings beautifully to each piece of pasta. As it simmers, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes that builds anticipation for the meal to come.

What’s more, this One Pot Penne Pasta is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish yet simple enough for a side. The balance of flavors – from the sweet tomatoes to the savory broth and aromatic herbs – creates a harmonious dish that feels far more sophisticated than its simple cooking method suggests.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious One Pot Penne Pasta, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

The pasta is the star here – traditional penne works beautifully as its tubular shape captures the sauce inside and out. For the broth, using homemade stock elevates the flavor, but a good quality store-bought version works wonderfully too. The combination of dried herbs with fresh basil added at the end creates layers of flavor that make this simple pasta dish taste complex and well-developed.

Pro Tips

For the most flavorful One Pot Penne Pasta, follow these professional techniques that make all the difference:

Toast the pasta first: Before adding any liquid, toss the dry penne in the pot with your sautéed aromatics and olive oil for 1-2 minutes. This light toasting creates a nutty flavor and helps the pasta maintain its texture even as it absorbs liquid. This technique, similar to toasting rice for risotto, adds incredible depth to your finished dish.

Layer your flavors strategically: Start by developing a flavor base with properly sautéed onions and garlic until they’re truly fragrant – don’t rush this step. The fond (brown bits) that forms on the bottom of the pot contains concentrated flavor compounds that will be released when you add the liquid, creating a more complex sauce. This is especially important when making a quick one-pot dish.

Master the perfect consistency: The key to one-pot pasta perfection is maintaining the right liquid-to-pasta ratio. Start with slightly more liquid than you think you need, as some will evaporate. Stir occasionally but not constantly, and remember the pasta will continue absorbing liquid even after you’ve removed it from the heat. For the ideal al dente texture, take it off the heat when it’s still slightly firmer than you’d like, then let it rest covered for 2-3 minutes before serving your One Pot Penne Pasta.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Heat olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Add the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This step intensifies the tomato flavor throughout your dish. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything and allow the herbs to bloom in the oil for about 30 seconds, releasing their essential oils and flavors.

Step 3: Add Pasta And Liquids
Add the dry penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat it with the aromatic oil and herbs. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable or chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot and all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Simmer To Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially with a lid, allowing some steam to escape. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the liquid level – the pasta should absorb most of it but still have enough to create a sauce. If it seems too dry, add a splash more broth.

Step 5: Finish And Serve
When the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let the One Pot Penne Pasta rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately in warm bowls with additional Parmesan cheese on the side.

Variations

This One Pot Penne Pasta recipe is wonderfully adaptable to various dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a protein-packed version, add 1 pound of Italian sausage (removed from casings) or ground beef when cooking the onions. Brown the meat thoroughly before continuing with the recipe for a hearty meat pasta that’s still made in just one pot.

For a vegetarian protein boost, add 1 can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas along with the tomatoes. They’ll absorb the flavors as the pasta cooks and add wonderful texture to the final dish. Plant-based eaters can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or replacing it with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Create a creamy version by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese just before serving. This transforms the One Pot Penne Pasta into a luscious rosa sauce pasta that feels more indulgent. For those who enjoy heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a finely diced jalapeño with the bell pepper for a spicy pasta that awakens the palate.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Penne Pasta keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revitalize the sauce, as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, or gently reheat on the stovetop with a little added liquid.

For freezing, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious.

Serve this versatile pasta as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. For an elevated presentation, serve in warmed bowls topped with additional fresh herbs, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan. For a heartier meal, accompany with garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of the flavorful sauce your One Pot Penne Pasta creates.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for this one-pot recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other medium-sized pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the shape and thickness of the pasta. Thinner pastas will cook faster, while thicker shapes may need additional liquid and cooking time.

Why is my pasta still too firm but the liquid is almost gone?
If your pasta isn’t fully cooked but the liquid has been absorbed, simply add another ½ cup of hot broth or water, stir gently, and continue cooking. Altitude, pasta brand, and pot size can all affect cooking time and liquid absorption rates for One Pot Penne Pasta.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, though pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, consider cooking it slightly less than al dente since it will continue to absorb sauce as it sits. Refresh with a splash of broth when reheating and add a touch of olive oil to revive the silky texture.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
This One Pot Penne Pasta is perfect for adding vegetables. Sturdy vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots can be added with the bell pepper. Leafy greens like spinach or kale should be stirred in during the last minute of cooking until just wilted.

My sauce is too watery – how can I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin, uncover the pot completely and increase the heat slightly to encourage evaporation. Alternatively, a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water can be stirred in during the last minute of cooking to thicken the sauce.

The Perfect Weeknight Wonder

This One Pot Penne Pasta is comfort food at its finest — simple yet sophisticated, with layers of flavor that belie its easy preparation. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into something special, providing nourishment and satisfaction without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for yourself, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and cleanup. The next time you crave a hearty pasta dish but want to keep things simple, remember this recipe that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

From the first aromatic sauté to the final sprinkle of fresh basil, this One Pot Penne Pasta brings the joy of Italian-inspired cooking into your kitchen with remarkable efficiency. Master this technique once, and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, creating endless variations based on what’s in season or available in your pantry. That’s the true beauty of simple cooking – it provides both structure and freedom, allowing you to create something uniquely yours while standing on the solid foundation of time-tested techniques.

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