Spicy Tomato One-Pan Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Tomato One-Pan Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful weeknight meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Packed with olives, garlic, and a touch of heat, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- ½ large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
- 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- 12 ounces dry linguine
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano, plus more for serving
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Pearls Specialties Pitted Kalamata Olives
- 1 cup Pearls Specialties Garlic-Stuffed Olives
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2½ cups water
- Freshly grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a wide pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, diced onion, and chopped garlic, cooking until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the pan from heat.
- Step 2: Add the dry linguine, red pepper flakes, oregano sprigs, sea salt, black pepper, Kalamata olives, garlic-stuffed olives, diced tomatoes with their liquid, and water to the pan. Return to medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking, until the noodles are tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 2 minutes. Stir the pasta once more before serving.
- Step 5: Serve the pasta topped with fresh oregano leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous grating of parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Swap linguine for spaghetti or penne if preferred.
- Add fresh spinach or arugula in the last minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- Use jarred mixed olives if Kalamata or garlic-stuffed olives aren’t available.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes, you can omit the parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the dish plant-based.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce and liquid, absorbing all the flavors as it simmers.
PrintSpicy Tomato One-Pan Pasta Recipe
A flavorful and convenient one-pan pasta dish that combines spicy tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a hearty meal. This recipe features a simple cooking process where linguine is cooked directly in a savory tomato sauce, infused with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- ½ large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
- 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
Pasta and Seasonings
- 12 ounces dry linguine
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano, plus more for serving
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Olives and Tomatoes
- 1 cup Pearls Specialties Pitted Kalamata Olives
- 1 cup Pearls Specialties Garlic-Stuffed Olives
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2½ cups water
To Serve
- Freshly grated parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavor Base: Place a wide pan or skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onion turns golden. Then remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Into the same pan, add the dry linguine, red pepper flakes, fresh oregano sprigs, sea salt, black pepper, Kalamata olives, garlic-stuffed olives, the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Place the pan back on medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once simmering, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be tender and the liquid will have thickened into a sauce.
- Rest and Serve: After cooking, cover the pan and let the pasta rest for 2 minutes. Give it a final stir, then serve it topped with fresh oregano leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous grating of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a wide pan or skillet to ensure even cooking of the pasta.
- Fresh oregano adds a bright herbal note but can be substituted with dried oregano if unavailable.
- For a vegan version, omit the parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
Keywords: spicy tomato pasta, one-pan pasta, linguine recipe, Mediterranean pasta, olives pasta

