One Pot Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Parmesan Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines tender spaghetti with a flavorful blend of tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together easily in a single pot without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 14.5 ounces Rotel or petite diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, sliced thin
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon plus zest
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Additional basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a deep skillet or heavy bottom pot, combine the spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged and ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil.
5. Step 5: Cook covered for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, give the pasta a good stir to prevent sticking. Continue cooking covered for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
7. Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use fresh grated parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little more chicken stock or pasta water to loosen.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water and warm gently over low heat to restore creaminess without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use other long pasta types like linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different shapes vary in thickness and cooking speed.

Is it necessary to add the lemon juice and zest?

The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cream and parmesan, but if you prefer, you can omit it without greatly impacting the dish.

One Pot Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

One Pot Parmesan Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines spaghetti, tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy parmesan sauce all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, cheesy pasta meal without the fuss.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 14.5 ounces Rotel or petite diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion (sliced thin)
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 juice of a lemon + zest
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 Tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• More fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a deep skillet or heavy bottom pot, add the spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest all together.
2. Add Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the mixture thoroughly.
3. Stir to Mix: Give everything a good stir to combine all ingredients evenly before adding the liquid.
4. Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock and stir again to incorporate the liquid with the pasta and other ingredients.
5. Bring to Boil: Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients begin to cook together.
6. Cook Pasta Covered: Cover the pot and let it cook for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, stir the pasta well to prevent sticking and clumping. Then cover and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
7. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Let it sit for a few minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
8. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra fresh basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy one pot parmesan pasta!

Notes

• Use a deep skillet or heavy bottom pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Stir halfway through cooking to avoid pasta sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using a salty chicken stock.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
• If you prefer a richer dish, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream.
• Make sure to let the dish sit a few minutes after adding the cheese and cream to thicken the sauce properly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: One pot pasta, Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner, stovetop pasta