This quick and easy Canned Tomato Pasta for one is the perfect pantry meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. With simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, Italian sausage, and pasta, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish in no time. It’s a great option for a fast, no-fuss dinner when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup dry pasta (spaghetti or your choice)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ⅛ onion, chopped

  • 1 precooked Italian sausage

• ½ can diced tomatoes

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Fresh or dried basil

• Grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cover and cook for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

4. Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the saucepan. Mix well to combine the pasta and sauce. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese and basil.

Nutrients (Per Serving):

• Calories: 385 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Protein: 21g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 859mg

• Potassium: 478mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 512 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 156mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Canned Tomatoes Are a Pantry Staple

Canned tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that should have a permanent spot in every pantry. They’re incredibly convenient and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces and soups to stews and casseroles. Canned tomatoes offer a rich, deep flavor that can be ready to use at a moment’s notice, saving time when fresh tomatoes are out of season or unavailable.

One of the major benefits of canned tomatoes is their shelf stability. Unlike fresh tomatoes, which can spoil quickly, canned tomatoes can be stored for months, making them an excellent backup ingredient for those nights when you’re in need of a quick meal. They’re packed with vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene, which help to support your immune system and overall health. Plus, the slightly sweet and tangy flavor of canned tomatoes forms the perfect base for sauces, soups, and stews, adding depth and richness to any dish.

The Role of Italian Sausage in the Dish

Italian sausage is another key ingredient in this Canned Tomato Pasta for One recipe. Known for its rich, savory flavor and aromatic herbs and spices, Italian sausage elevates the dish by adding depth and complexity. While the sausage is pre-cooked, it’s browned in the pan to release its fats and oils, which infuse the sauce with its flavor. This process helps to create a more flavorful base, which blends beautifully with the canned tomatoes.

Italian sausage is often seasoned with fennel, garlic, and other spices, contributing to its bold, aromatic taste. When paired with the tangy tomatoes, it creates a perfect harmony of flavors, making the dish incredibly satisfying. Whether you use mild or spicy Italian sausage, the richness of the sausage complements the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a balanced, comforting meal.

Pasta: The Perfect Base for Any Sauce

Pasta is, of course, the foundation of any pasta dish, and in this recipe, it serves as the perfect base to carry the rich sauce. Spaghetti is a natural choice for this dish, but feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer—whether it’s penne, fusilli, or farfalle, it all works well with the sauce. The beauty of pasta is that it’s versatile, quick to cook, and capable of absorbing the flavors of the sauce, making it a fantastic canvas for a variety of ingredients.

In this recipe, the pasta is cooked separately and then combined with the sauce. This method allows the pasta to cook al dente, which is essential for getting the perfect texture. Once combined with the sausage and tomato sauce, the pasta soaks up all the delicious juices, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The sauce clings to the pasta, making each forkful a delicious blend of savory, tangy, and herby goodness.

The Convenience of a One-Pan Meal

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is that it is a one-pan meal. After cooking the pasta, everything else happens in a single saucepan, which minimizes cleanup and makes the process even more convenient. There’s no need for multiple pots or pans, and all the ingredients come together in one place, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

This makes it an ideal meal for solo diners or those looking to prepare a quick dinner without creating a mountain of dishes. The one-pan method ensures that the dish stays simple, and the ingredients are cooked in stages, so each element—whether it’s the sausage, onion, or tomato sauce—has time to develop its full flavor. The combination of ingredients and the cooking method ensures that every bite of the pasta is packed with savory goodness.

Italian Seasoning: Adding Depth to the Sauce

Italian seasoning is a key element in this dish, adding a blend of aromatic herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme. These herbs contribute layers of flavor that enhance the taste of the canned tomatoes and sausage. The Italian seasoning also adds a fragrant, herbal note to the sauce, giving the dish an authentic Italian flavor profile.

The beauty of using Italian seasoning is its convenience—it’s a pre-made blend of commonly used herbs, meaning you don’t need to keep several different bottles in your pantry. A small amount is all that’s needed to give the dish a comforting, herbal aroma that complements the richness of the sausage and the tang of the tomatoes. The Italian seasoning is a perfect complement to the other ingredients, helping to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the sausage.

The Simplicity of the Dish

One of the biggest appeals of this Canned Tomato Pasta for One is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and quick to make. This is a great recipe for beginners, college students, or anyone who doesn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen but still wants a delicious homemade dinner.

The process is straightforward and easy to follow—simply cook the pasta, brown the sausage with onion and garlic, and then simmer everything together with the canned tomatoes and seasonings. Once combined, the dish is ready to be served in no time, making it a perfect option for weeknights when you’re craving a comforting meal but don’t have the energy to cook something complicated.

Nutritional Benefits of the Dish

While the Canned Tomato Pasta for One is a quick and easy meal, it’s also packed with nutrients. The protein from the Italian sausage helps to make the dish more filling, while the pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. The canned tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and promote heart health.

This dish is also a good source of fiber, which helps to support digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. The small amount of parmesan cheese added as a topping provides a dose of calcium, helping to support bone health. While the dish contains a moderate amount of fat from the sausage and olive oil, the overall balance of nutrients makes it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Preferences

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. If you like a little spice, you can add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild variety. For a more robust flavor, you can experiment with additional seasonings such as garlic powder or onion powder.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative or use additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to create a lighter version of the dish. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, to meet dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, it can also be paired with a variety of sides to round out the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread would make for a great accompaniment. If you’re looking for something lighter, steamed vegetables or a side of roasted broccoli would add a nutritious touch to the meal.

For drinks, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the pasta. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, sparkling water with a twist of lemon can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Canned Tomato Pasta for One is a perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients. The combination of canned tomatoes, Italian sausage, and pasta creates a rich, flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or preparing a simple dinner, this recipe provides a great balance of taste, nutrition, and convenience. It’s the kind of meal that can be made in a pinch, but still feels like a comforting, homemade dish.