One Pot Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Parmesan Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining fresh ingredients with a creamy parmesan sauce, it comes together effortlessly in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

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 and zest of 1 lemon
• 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-bottomed pot, combine the spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes, sliced onion, fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock and stir again to mix all the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for 8–10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Halfway through cooking, stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or oregano if preferred.
• To add a bit of heat, include red pepper flakes when seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes, especially those that cook evenly and absorb sauce, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

One Pot Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

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

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Description

A creamy, easy one-pot Parmesan pasta recipe combining pasta, tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a rich blend of chicken stock and cream, finished with shredded Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Liquids and Fats

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Cheese

• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• More fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients: In a deep skillet or a heavy-bottom pot, add the spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, fresh basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Add olive oil and seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, and sprinkle in the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the oil and seasonings.
3. Add chicken stock and stir: Pour in the four cups of low-sodium chicken stock, then stir everything together to combine all ingredients well and ensure the noodles are submerged.
4. Bring to a boil: Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
5. Cook pasta partially covered: Once boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking time, stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
6. Finish cooking the pasta: Cover again and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
7. Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired and serve warm as a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.

Notes

• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or omit completely.
• Be sure to stir the pasta halfway through cooking to avoid clumping or sticking.
• Fresh basil enhances the flavor best, but dried basil can be used as a substitute with adjusted quantities.
• This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups. Just ensure a large enough pot for cooking.

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

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