I’m all about a fresh, tasty meal that is EASY. I don’t have much bandwidth for complex these days, as everything feels complex already. And I wanted to make sure and share this before the basil & tomatoes are withered and gone.
This One Pot Tomato Basil Pasta from Martha Stewart is a winner. There isn’t really a sauce, rather the pasta absorbs the flavors, and the tomatoes and seasoning provide the sauciness. Adding a sprinkle of cheese (or goat cheese if you want to add some creamy tang) on top is the needed finish. It’s very flavorful, in fact, if you are anti-heat, you might want to omit or reduce the crushed red pepper as it gives it a kick!
We made this one night when Dave and I had an evening event (back when we had events) and got it started before we left the house. I told my teenagers and preteen to just stir stir it with the tongs when the timer buzzed and serve. Dinner was prepared. We were out the door. And there was only one pot to clean!
12 ounces linguine
12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 1/2 cups water
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 9 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide among 4 bowls, and garnish with basil. Serve with parmesan or goat cheese.
Give yourself a break by doing this one very simple task– make this for dinner soon. (Decision made √ crowd pleasing √ fast prep √ easy clean up √ inexpensive √ done!)
Community Table 
Julie,
Thank you for this recipe!
I have a delightful book of liturgies called *Every Moment Holy* that has a collection of morning, midday and evening prayers as might be expected in a prayer book. (I imagine you have it, but if not, I highly recommend it!) But it also has prayers with titles ranging from “For the First Snow”, “For Fiction Writers”, “For the Morning of a Yard Sale”, “For the Loss of Electricity”, “For a Sick Day”, and “For those Experiencing Road Rage”.
The one I want to share this one titled “A Liturgy for the Hurried Preparation of a Meal” that goes perfectly with this recipe you shared:
*Lord, I have little time to build this meal, but I would still make of it a holy offering. *
*Let me work into these rapid preparations a care and a kindness for those who will partake. *
*Even in our common haste, may this meal serve as a catalyst for a deeper grace, reminding us to be ever thankful. *
*Let those who share this food embrace the fellowship of the moment, however fleeting, and let them rise from the table knowing that even in their comings and their goings, they are nurtured and loved. *
*Grant also, O Lord, that we at other times in our busy lives, might make ample margin for more unhurried meals and for a more leisurely fellowship. Amen. *
Hope you all are doing well— sending you socially distant hugs from Seattle!
-Emily
LikeLike
Emily! I love this and do have this book. It is such a breath of fresh! I hadn’t read this prayer, but it is so fitting. I hope you are well. I miss you! Thanks for reading and letting me know you are out there! 🙂
LikeLike
Pasta, pizza and one pot recipes are my favorite. Great blog. Signing up to follow.
LikeLike
Welcome! So glad you found us.
LikeLike