Dinner

Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe

ByJack Voss October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

Introduction

This Easy One Pot Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta combines savory ground meat with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, brightened by fresh basil and creamy burrata. It’s a satisfying, comforting meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

A white bowl filled with one main layer of penne pasta coated in a chunky red meat sauce mixed with ground meat and tomato chunks. On top of the pasta are three dollops of creamy white ricotta or burrata cheese, slightly melting into the pasta below. Bright green fresh herbs and microgreens are scattered over the cheese, adding a fresh look and texture contrast. The bowl is placed on a rustic wooden table, with part of a white plate holding more green herbs visible at the bottom left. The warm sunlight shines on the dish, highlighting the rich colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ounces) 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 over high heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add 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 release their aroma, 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 sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, making sure not to drain the water.
Step 3: Stir in the basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce turns creamy and well combined. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the fresh chopped basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Break the burrata cheese over the pasta and gently mix slightly. Divide the pasta into bowls and drizzle extra olive oil and cracked black pepper on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, spicy one pot pasta!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Add a splash of cream or milk before stirring in the pesto for an even richer sauce.
Use fresh tomatoes and homemade tomato puree for a fresher taste.
Adjust the chipotle chile powder and chili flakes to match your heat preference.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any 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 broth to loosen the sauce. Burrata is best added fresh, so avoid reheating pasta with burrata to preserve its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white deep dish bowl filled with penne pasta covered in thick, chunky red tomato meat sauce. The pasta and sauce mix fills the bowl almost to the rim, with the sauce showing a rich, textured surface from the cooked ground meat. On top, there are three large dollops of smooth, white creamy cheese, garnished with bright green fresh herbs, adding a fresh contrast to the red sauce below. The whole dish is set on a rustic wooden table with soft natural light casting shadows and highlights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to the pasta type.