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Prep Time
5 minutes
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Active Time
25–30 minutes
I try not to use the word “easy” too loosely in my recipes. I can’t tell you how many times I have perused cookbooks looking for the word “easy,” only to become frustrated by overcomplicated recipes that make me want to give up. It truly doesn’t get any easier than this one-pot sensation. Even on the busiest of nights, I have been able to prepare this palate-pleasing pasta supper with ease. Try this one out for “Meatless Mondays.”
Ingredients
Serves 6
Step 1
In a large pot, combine 3 cups of water, the pasta, crushed tomatoes, cheese pieces, grape tomatoes, onion, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
Step 2
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until the pasta has softened, 25 to 30 minutes. Much of the water will boil out.
Step 3
Serve drizzled with balsamic vinegar. If desired, garnish with chopped basil and Parmesan.
Looking for big Italian flavor? Double the amount of garlic, onion, and basil in the recipe.
Reprinted with permission from HarperCollins.
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Reviews (6)
Back to TopThis isn't the #1 greatest pasta recipe in my repertoire, but it may well have the best time/effort : satisfaction ratio. It's practically as easy as opening a can of "spaghetti dinner" and infinitely tastier.
jeanmajeski6571
Chicago, IL
10/28/2019
Bland as is, but pretty good with some modifications. I added a good amount of creole seasoning and some crushed red pepper flakes, and I used fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese. Next time I would sautee the onions for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients because they were a bit undercooked.
erinjacksonwalk
Baton Rouge, LA
7/6/2016
It was easy to make, certainly, but my spouse didn't enjoy it. There might not have been enough liquid from my can of tomatoes to allow the pasta to cook thoroughly, as it was a bit on the hard side. Adding the string cheese was interesting though!
Anonymous
6/5/2016
Made this dish for dinner last night! Delish! Will make it again.
Anonymous
Texas
5/18/2016
I made this last night with a few modifications based on what I had on hand. I didn't have whole wheat pasta, so I used regular Barilla penne. I also didn't have basil, so I used fresh spinach, and it was so good!! I wasn't sure my family was going to like the drizzle of balsamic vinegar, but they all loved it. It gave the dish some depth. I also added sliced, browned smoked sausage at the end and it was amazing!! I will make again and again!!
ariegle
Naperville, IL
3/24/2016
Easy for a weeknight and can easily be modified. Interesting use of string cheese but I imagine regular mozzarella could be substituted. I would suggest a few more spices to add (oregano, etc.) but a good meatless weeknight dinner option and a very easy clean-up, which is a plus.
Anonymous
Burtonsville, MD
3/22/2016
