Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta is a simple, yet flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients with minimal cleanup. The linguine is cooked directly in the same pan with cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With only one pan to clean and a handful of ingredients, this dish proves that delicious pasta can be made with ease and without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pan Pasta is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. The combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates a vibrant, aromatic sauce that coats the linguine beautifully. What sets this recipe apart is the cooking method — all ingredients are cooked together in one pan, which helps the pasta absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves flavorful pasta with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 12 ounce linguine
- 12 ounce cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- Coarse salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 1/2 cups water
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1
Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Make sure the linguine lays flat in the pan.
Step 2
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat slightly and continue to boil, stirring and turning the pasta frequently with tongs or a fork. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has evaporated, about 9 minutes.
Step 3
Season the pasta to taste with additional salt and pepper. Divide among four bowls, garnish with torn basil leaves, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Keep the dish vegetarian by sticking with the original ingredients. If you want more vegetables, add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make the dish heartier and add a protein boost.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up.

FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta.
2. Can I make this dish without basil?
Yes, if you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with other herbs like oregano or thyme, or even dried basil in a pinch.
3. Can I use a different type of tomato?
Yes, you can use any type of tomato you prefer, such as Roma or heirloom tomatoes. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces if they’re larger.
4. Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp would pair wonderfully with this pasta. Add the protein when the pasta is nearly finished cooking to avoid overcooking.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to check for doneness.
6. Can I make this dish in advance?
This dish is best served immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook it right before serving.
7. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, fresh garlic is ideal for this dish. It will add a more robust flavor than garlic powder.
8. What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different but still delicious flavor.
9. Can I substitute the water with broth?
Yes, for added flavor, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. This will give the pasta an extra savory taste.
10. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Be sure to stir the pasta frequently while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking, and it also ensures the pasta absorbs the flavors from the tomatoes and garlic.
Conclusion
Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a satisfying and delicious pasta dish that requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Martha Stewart’s One-Pan Pasta is a simple, yet flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients with minimal cleanup. The linguine is cooked directly in the same pan with cherry tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With only one pan to clean and a handful of ingredients, this dish proves that delicious pasta can be made with ease and without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
12 ounce linguine
12 ounce cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Coarse salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 1/2 cups water
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Make sure the linguine lays flat in the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat slightly and continue to boil, stirring and turning the pasta frequently with tongs or a fork. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the water has evaporated, about 9 minutes.
- Season the pasta to taste with additional salt and pepper. Divide among four bowls, garnish with torn basil leaves, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute any pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use oregano, thyme, or dried basil as a substitute.
- To make this dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg