When you’re cooking for one, this simple tomato pasta hits all the right notes. The sauce comes together with just three ingredients—fresh tomatoes, garlic, and butter—plus a few pantry staples, but the result is rich, silky, and full of flavour. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together on a whim with what you’ve already got in your kitchen, no fuss required. Whether you leave the sauce rustic or blend it smooth, it’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels a little more special than your usual solo dinner. Finish with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil, and dinner’s done.

Check out my other Single Serve recipes!

Single Serve Pasta Alfredo

Single Serve Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Single Serve Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Perfect for One: No need to scale down or save leftovers—this recipe is portioned just right for solo nights.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only three main ingredients for the sauce (tomatoes, garlic, and butter), you get a super fresh meal without a big lift.
• Quick and Satisfying: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes, with staples you probably already have on hand.
• Use Any Pasta: Works with whatever shape you’ve got—whether it’s a basic like penne or spaghetti, or a fun one you’ve been wanting to try.

How to Prep for this Recipe:

This recipe is super simple. All you’ll need to do to get started is roughly chop your tomatoes + mince the garlic!

How to Make Single Serve Fresh Tomato Pasta:

Step One:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, reserving a bit of the pasta water before draining.

Step Two:

In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter with the olive oil. Once melted, add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it cook down for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step Three:

When the sauce has cooked down, you can leave it chunky and rustic, or blend/strain it for a smoother texture—totally up to you.

Step Four:

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with a splash of pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta.

Step Five:

Plate it up and top with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Storing the Tomato Pasta:

• If you made a little too much, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Substitutions for Single Serve Tomato Pasta:

• Cheese: I grated fresh parmesan over my plate, but pecorino would be tasty here too if that’s what you’ve got in the fridge.
• Tomatoes: Want to use up a can of diced tomatoes? Go for it—just strain off the excess liquid before adding about 1 cup to the pan.
• Cooking for a Group: Love this recipe? Just multiply the ingredient quantities by however many people you’re feeding—easy.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan butter spread instead of regular, and skip the cheese or sub in a dairy-free version or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

If you try out this dish, I’d love if you tag me on social (@britacooks)! If you’re a fan of these single serve recipes, let me know what else you’d like to see me make as a single portion!