Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This easy one pot spicy tomato basil pesto pasta combines savory ground meat with a vibrant blend of spices and fresh herbs. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken, turkey, or pork
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound short-cut pasta
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil or micro basil
- 2-3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot set over high heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, crushed fennel seed, and onion powder. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the spices are fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the crushed tomatoes and 2 large cups of water to the pot. Stir in the dry pasta and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Do not drain the water.
- Step 3: Stir in the basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 4: Break the burrata cheese over the pasta and gently mix it in or leave it on top to melt slightly. Divide the pasta between bowls and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or pork as an alternative to chicken for different flavor profiles.
- For extra heat, increase the chipotle chile powder or add more chili flakes to taste.
- Swap burrata for fresh mozzarella or ricotta if you prefer a milder cheese.
- Adding a splash of cream after removing from heat can make the sauce even richer.
- Try using gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Burrata is best added fresh when serving rather than reheating with the pasta.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.
What type of pasta works best?
Short-cut pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well because it holds the sauce nicely and cooks quickly in the one pot method.
Print
Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta combines tender ground meat with robust Italian seasonings and smoky chipotle heat in a rich tomato sauce. Mixed with short-cut pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and parmesan, it creates a creamy, flavorful meal that is finished with fresh basil and creamy burrata cheese for an indulgent, comforting twist. Perfect for a quick, hearty weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground chicken, turkey, or pork
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1–2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 (28 ounces) cans crushed tomatoes
- Approximately 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound short-cut pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil or micro basil
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2–3 balls burrata cheese, at room temperature
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large pot over high heat and add the ground meat. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, add the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chipotle chile powder, crushed fennel seed, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and the spices become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add approximately 2 large cups of water to the pot. Stir to combine, then mix in the dry short-cut pasta along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir occasionally and cook the pasta in the sauce and liquid mixture for about 8 minutes, ensuring the pasta cooks through but the water is not drained off.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with Burrata: Divide the pasta into bowls. Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute it over the top of each serving. Drizzle with extra olive oil and add a fresh crack of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, spicy, and flavorful one-pot pasta.
Notes
- Use the meat of your choice—chicken, turkey, or pork all work well and adapt seasoning if needed.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chile powder and chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Keep the pasta liquidy enough so the pasta cooks properly; do not drain after cooking.
- Room temperature burrata melts beautifully over the hot pasta for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: one pot pasta, spicy pasta, tomato basil pesto, burrata cheese, Italian pasta recipe, ground meat pasta
