One Pot Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta

Lazy...and no desire or time for washing more than one pan when we are done with the meal.  That's a good way to describe me lately.  I threw what we liked together in a pot and this is what I came up with.  

I can see several substitutions and additions to this dish that would be just as wonderful. Some ideas I had were to substitute chicken broth for the water and using some chopped veggies  (like squashes) from the garden.

One Pot Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta                                        Printable Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

14 leaves of fresh basil, sliced thin

2 dashes of cayenne pepper

3-1/2 cups water

9 ounces spaghetti (I used Jovial's Einkorn pasta but you could use GF too)

12 ounces grilled chicken, cut into chunks (optional)

1/2 cup whole milk (or cream)

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper as desired

In large skillet or Dutch oven, drizzle the olive oil over medium heat.  Add onions, tomatoes, cayenne and basil.  Cook for a minute or two, stirring so not to burn.  Add water and pasta. Don't worry if your pasta sticks out, as it softens you will be able to get it down into the water to cook.

If you are using chicken, you can add it after your pasta is soft enough to be covered in the water.  Cook total for 9-10 minutes or until the pasta is done enough to your liking.  The water will be nearly evaporate. Stir in your milk or cream.

Turn off heat.  Add Parmesan. 

Stir until melted.  Season with salt and pepper. I wait until now for more salt since the Parmesan (and chicken) have salt in them already.

Serve in a bowl, sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and some fresh basil.