This one-pan tomato pasta is the ultimate fuss-free dinner, combining pantry staples with fresh flavors for a comforting yet wholesome meal.
Packed with fiber from whole tomatoes, plant-based protein from parmesan, and healthy fats from olive oil, it delivers balanced nutrition in every bite.
With minimal prep, quick cooking, and only one pot to wash, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or effortless family meals.
Healthy Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large lidded saucepan (to cook everything in one pot)
- 1 Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- 1 Measuring jug (for stock)
- 1 Grater (for parmesan)
Ingredients
- 350 g 12 oz dried spaghetti
- 400 g 14.5 oz canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp pesto
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 litre 4 ¼ cups vegetable stock
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 200 g 7 oz cherry tomatoes
- 75 g 3 oz parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and ingredients: Place a large, deep saucepan with a fitted lid on your stovetop. Make sure it’s wide enough to hold the pasta comfortably without breaking it. Gather and measure all your ingredients before you begin, as this recipe moves quickly once started. Slice the onion and garlic thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and grate the parmesan so everything is ready to go.
- Build the flavor base: Drizzle the olive oil into the pan and add the sliced onion and garlic. No need to preheat separately — they will soften gradually as the liquid heats. These aromatics form the backbone of flavor, gently releasing their sweetness and fragrance into the pasta as it cooks.
- Add pasta and liquids together: Lay the spaghetti strands flat in the pan, spreading them out as evenly as possible. Pour in the canned tomatoes and their juices, the tomato puree, and the full amount of vegetable stock. The pasta should be mostly submerged; if not, gently press it down with a spoon. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then stir lightly so everything begins to combine.
- Simmer until pasta softens: Place the lid securely on the pan and set the heat to medium. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for about 8–10 minutes. During this time, the pasta absorbs the broth while the tomatoes and onion soften, creating a rich, naturally thickening sauce. Give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking at the bottom and ensure the spaghetti cooks evenly.
- Add pesto for richness: Once the pasta is almost tender but still has a slight bite (al dente), stir in the pesto. This step transforms the sauce, adding creaminess, depth, and a touch of herby richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Make sure the pesto is evenly stirred through so every strand of pasta is coated.
- Finish with fresh cherry tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes directly into the simmering pasta. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally. The cherry tomatoes will soften and burst slightly, adding juicy pops of sweetness to the dish while the sauce thickens to a silky consistency.
- Check texture and adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta to ensure it’s fully cooked to your preferred texture. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of hot water to loosen it slightly. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed, keeping in mind that the parmesan at the end will add more saltiness.
- Add parmesan and serve immediately: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese generously over the pasta. Toss lightly to combine, letting the cheese melt into the hot sauce and create a glossy finish. Serve the pasta straight from the pan while it’s hot, with extra parmesan on the side for those who love a cheesy topping.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes and vegetable stock for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
- Spaghetti can be swapped for wholewheat or gluten-free pasta without affecting taste.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition.
- Include protein options such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for a complete meal.
- A wide, lidded saucepan ensures even cooking and prevents pasta from sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as parmesan adds natural saltiness.
- This recipe is quick, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Pasta
The key to this pasta’s success lies in layering flavors.
Start by gently softening the onion and garlic in olive oil — this draws out sweetness without overpowering the sauce.
Stir in the pesto toward the end to retain its fresh herb aroma.
Choosing a lidded, wide saucepan ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking.
Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning at the end, since parmesan adds natural saltiness.
Serving Suggestions For Family Meals
This pasta shines as a main dish, but you can pair it with a simple side salad of arugula or baby spinach for added freshness.
Crusty bread or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup.
A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top adds visual appeal and boosts flavor.
Storage Tips To Keep Pasta Fresh
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in a pan with a splash of water or vegetable stock to restore the sauce’s consistency.
This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain texture.
Avoid overcooking during the initial preparation if you plan to store, as it will continue softening when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried spaghetti?
Yes! Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried, so reduce the cooking time and monitor it closely to avoid overcooking. Add it directly to the sauce and cook just until tender.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. The dish is plant-based with parmesan as the only dairy ingredient. For a vegan version, simply replace parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes. Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when stirring in the tomato puree to give the sauce a subtle kick without overpowering the fresh flavors.
4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While this pasta is best enjoyed immediately, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop the onion and garlic, measure out the stock, and have the tomatoes ready to save a few minutes during cooking.
5. Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Definitely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition. For protein, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be stirred in at the end for a more filling meal.
