Tasty Pasta is a streamlined one-pan dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. By cooking the pasta directly in a seasoned broth, you eliminate the need for a separate pot and infuse every bite with a rich, savory taste.
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The recipe balances a creamy tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet uses simple, everyday ingredients. It's designed for consistency: the pasta absorbs the liquid as it cooks, so you get a perfectly coated, al dente result every time.
Whether you're feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish scales easily and holds up well to reheating. The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a reliable choice for a quick dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
Any short pasta works; penne holds sauce well. Substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.
2 tbsp olive oil
Use extra-virgin for flavor; can substitute with butter.
1 small onion, finely chopped
About 1/2 cup (80g). Use shallots for a milder taste.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best; use 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a pinch.
1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) crushed tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes offer sweetness; regular crushed tomatoes work too.
3 cups (720ml) vegetable or chicken broth
Use low-sodium to control salt; water with bouillon is an alternative.
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
Whole milk gives creamier texture; use unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free.
1 tsp dried oregano
Can use 1 tbsp fresh oregano if available.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds heat; omit for mild version.
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts better; pre-shredded works but may clump.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season at the end after liquid reduces.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Adds freshness; skip if not available.
Tips & Tricks
Use a large skillet or Dutch oven
The pasta needs room to cook evenly; a 12-inch pan with high sides is ideal.
Check liquid level
If the pasta absorbs too much and becomes dry, add a splash of hot broth or water.
Taste before adding salt
Broth and Parmesan are salty; season after cooking.
- Stir frequently, especially in the last 5 minutes: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
3. Add Pasta
Add the dry penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (around 200°F / 95°C).
4. Cook Pasta
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. The sauce should cling to the pasta and have a creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate Milk and Cheese
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Delicious Variations
- Add 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken or crumbled Italian sausage along with the tomatoes for extra protein.
- Swap the penne for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian protein boost, add 1 can of drained chickpeas in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Tasty Pasta
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, but short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta's package instructions.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of milk, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Q: Can I add meat or vegetables?
Absolutely. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. For raw proteins, cook them before adding the pasta and adjust liquid if needed.
Q: Why is my pasta too saucy or too dry?
If too saucy, cook for a few more minutes to reduce. If too dry, add a splash of hot broth or water and stir until desired consistency.
Ready to simplify your dinner routine? Try this Tasty Pasta tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, share this recipe with a friend who loves easy weeknight meals.
Tasty Pasta
Tasty Pasta is a creamy, savory one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups (720ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Sauté Aromatics — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2Add Tomatoes and Broth — Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
- 3Add Pasta — Add the dry penne pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (around 200°F / 95°C).
- 4Cook Pasta — Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. The sauce should cling to the pasta and have a creamy consistency.
- 5Incorporate Milk and Cheese — Remove skillet from heat. Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6Garnish and Serve — Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Lucas covers personal finance and investing for beginners, breaking down complex topics into simple, relatable concepts. He focuses on practical strategies for saving, budgeting, and building wealth without hype.
