Cassidy and I both have our go-to comfort meals, and for me, it’s always been pasta. There’s something so soothing about watching everything come together in one pot—the sauce thickening, the noodles softening, and the aroma filling the kitchen. I remember one afternoon when I was exhausted from a long workweek, and Cassidy walked in with a bag of pantry staples, determined to cheer me up. Within 20 minutes, she had whipped up this warm, saucy one-pot pasta that honestly tasted like it had been simmering all day.
Since then, this dish has become our shared weeknight ritual. Cassidy loves to add a pinch of chili flakes while I toss in a little extra basil on mine. It’s quick enough for the busiest nights but still feels cozy and satisfying every single time. Plus, the cleanup? Basically nonexistent. That alone makes it a winner in our book.
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesIngredients
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion, diced
- Fresh Garlic, minced
- Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- Tomato Paste
- Vegetable Broth
- Coconut Milk
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Dry Pasta of Choice
- Spinach
- Fresh Basil, chopped
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat a splash of olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add the base ingredients
- Toss in the cherry tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to coat the onions and garlic.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook the pasta
- Stir in the dry pasta and bring everything to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- Add more broth as needed if the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is fully cooked.
Finish with greens
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Remove from heat and top with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Most of the recipes we (Lauren and Cassidy) make at home come from this cookbook.
It’s our go-to. That’s why we are happy to recommend it to you too.
Try These RecipesOne of the things I love most about this pasta is how it turns basic ingredients into something that feels genuinely special. There’s no fuss, no complicated prep, just one pot and a few handfuls of goodness. Cassidy and I keep this recipe on standby because it delivers every single time—creamy, flavorful, and soul-warming.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking just for yourself, this one-pot pasta is a beautiful reminder that comfort can be found in simplicity. Sometimes it’s those humble weeknight dinners, with a little music playing and a warm bowl in hand, that leave the best memories behind.
