Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean a boring meal. I love making this single serve pasta recipe because it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. 🔥 The best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes.

With simple ingredients like pasta, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that feels like a treat. I use high-quality ingredients to keep things interesting even when cooking for one.

You’ll get perfectly cooked al dente pasta tossed with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The garlic adds depth while cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Let’s make this quick pasta dish that’s perfect for one.

Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy your quick and delicious single serve pasta!

Ingredients for one person pasta

Here’s what you need to create this quick single serve pasta recipe.

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You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. For the best quality pasta, look for Italian brands like De Cecco or Barilla. Fresh basil from the produce section adds great flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano from the deli counter is ideal for grating fresh.

If you don't have cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work as a great substitute. For garlic, pre-minced from a jar saves time, though fresh tastes better. You can replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Adjust garlic amount based on your taste preference.

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep fresh basil wrapped in damp paper towels in the crisper drawer. Grated Parmesan cheese lasts longer when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Single Serve Pasta

Let me guide you through making a delicious single serve pasta that’s ready in no time.

🍳 Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I like to use 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt for every 4 cups of water. Add the 4 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy water helps create a silky sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, prepare your other ingredients. This multi-tasking saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic

Halve the 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Mince the 2 cloves garlic and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. I like to use a microplane for the garlic – it creates a finer texture that distributes flavor more evenly throughout the dish.

Drizzle the 2 tbsp olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then sprinkle with 0.25 tsp salt and 0.1 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the tomatoes are well-coated with the oil and seasoning.

🥘 Step 3: Combine and Finish the Dish

In a large skillet, combine the cooked penne pasta, cherry tomato mixture, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to come together and coat the pasta.

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Finally, sprinkle the 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately while the basil is still vibrant green and fragrant.

When it comes to a quick and delicious meal for one, a one person pasta recipe is the way to go 🍝. The best part is, you can customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Let’s dive into a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes ⏰.

Cooking the Perfect Single Serve Pasta 🔥

Start by boiling 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of your favorite pasta shape in a small pot of salted water. For a classic choice, go with spaghetti or linguine. If you’re feeling fancy, try using pappardelle or fettuccine.

• Use a small pot to save water and energy 💧
• Don’t overcrowd the pot – cook pasta al dente 🍝
• Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining 🔄

Preparing the Sauce 🍳

While your pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of your favorite sauce – be it tomato sauce, pesto, or a simple garlic and herb mix 🌿.

Combining Pasta and Sauce 👨‍🍳

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up 💦.

To take your one person pasta recipe to the next level, consider adding some protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu 🥗. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor 💸.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Single Serve Pasta

These simple tips will help you make the most of your single serve pasta recipe.

Cooking Pasta to Perfection: In Step 1, be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is crucial for creating a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. If you forget this step, you can use regular water, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.

Enhancing Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cherry tomato mixture in Step 2. This adds a subtle kick that complements the fresh basil perfectly. You can also substitute other herbs like parsley or oregano if you prefer.

Customizing Your Dish: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Some great options include cooked chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re adding raw ingredients.

Storage Tips: While this pasta is best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. 🔥

This single-serve pasta recipe is a nutritional powerhouse! You’ll love how it’s packed with complex carbohydrates from the penne pasta, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from parmesan cheese. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants.

The combination of ingredients provides a great balance of macronutrients: 36g of carbohydrates for energy, 12g of protein to support muscle health, and 14g of fat to keep you satisfied. You’ll also get 4g of dietary fiber to support digestive health.

Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet. With 320 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that will keep you going until your next meal. The nutrients from the vegetables and whole grains make it a nutritious choice for a quick dinner.