Looking for a truly comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and requires just one pan for minimal fuss? Let me introduce you to the magic of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta—a recipe that delivers restaurant-style richness with homey ease. This pasta hits all the right notes: a silky tomato sauce, tender spaghetti, and a luxurious touch of cream, all laced with garlic and basil. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or wanting an effortlessly chic meal for friends, this one is destined to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special, where every element pulls its weight in building irresistible flavor and texture.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The foundation of our dish, spaghetti cooks right in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Fresh tomatoes (or canned): For juiciness and vibrant flavor; canned works in a pinch and gives rich results year-round.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a fruitiness that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic backbone that’s a must for any good tomato sauce.
- Onion: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, forming a savory, mellow base.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Infuses the pasta with depth and helps everything cook evenly; use a stock cube for an easy shortcut.
- Double cream: The creamy finish that turns this into a truly luscious meal.
- Fresh basil: Lift the whole dish with bright herbal notes and gorgeous flecks of green.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by grabbing a trustworthy, high-sided skillet—one roomy enough to hold pasta and plenty of sauce. Pour in the olive oil and heat it over a gentle medium flame for about 2 minutes. You want the oil shimmering, not smoking, to coax out all the flavor from the aromatics in the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the warm oil. Sauté with patience, stirring often, until everything turns soft, fragrant, and beautifully translucent. This brings sweetness to the base of your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta and sets the tone for irresistible depth.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Now toss in the chopped tomatoes (or your trusty can of chopped tomatoes if fresh aren’t in season). Let the heat work its magic until the tomatoes start to soften, break down, and take on a little caramelization around the edges. This step concentrates their flavor and gives the sauce its amazing color.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Time to pour in that aromatic stock. Nestle in your uncooked spaghetti, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid as much as possible. The pasta will not only soak up the stock, but as it cooks, it’ll release starches—helping create a naturally creamy, clingy sauce.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let the magic happen for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll see the sauce thicken and the pasta turn perfectly al dente, infused with all those incredible flavors.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the double cream and scatter in roughly chopped fresh basil. Let everything sit together for a few minutes—the cream makes the sauce luxurious, and the basil infuses a fresh aroma that’s undeniably delicious. This final flourish transforms your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve
Dish it up hot and steaming, crowned with extra basil if you like. That moment when the creamy sauce clings to the strands of spaghetti? Pure joy.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
A shower of torn fresh basil adds color and freshness right before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, a generous dusting of grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese offers a savory finish. For a little heat, try a pinch of chili flakes, or drizzle on some extra virgin olive oil for extra shine and flavor. The beauty of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is that it welcomes your personal touch!
Side Dishes
This pasta is wonderful on its own, but it also plays nicely with sides. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette provides contrast to the creamy sauce. Warm, crusty bread—or even garlic bread—will help you scoop up every bit of luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus keep things light and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into a dinner party centerpiece by twirling it into pretty nests on each plate, topping with a little basil sprig. For a rustic family-style vibe, serve straight from the pot at the table. Mini cast-iron pans or bowls also make charming individual portions. You can even top with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta might taste even better the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the creamy texture may change slightly after freezing, but a gentle reheat will bring it back to life. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave portions in short bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Garnish with fresh basil to revive that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, but keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster or soak up more liquid. Add extra stock if necessary so the pasta doesn’t get too dry.
What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
No worries! Canned chopped tomatoes work perfectly and bring a rich flavor, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Either option will make your pasta taste outright divine.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas right before adding the cream for a satisfying protein boost. You can also cook sliced sausage along with the onion and garlic for extra heartiness in your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to double cream?
Yes! Swap the double cream for your favorite dairy-free cream or a splash of full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture. The flavor will change slightly, but you’ll still get that luxurious finish.
Can I make it spicier?
Of course—add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions and garlic, or swirl some hot sauce into the finished sauce. This gives your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta an extra kick that’s perfect for spice fans.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! It’s a real crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special meal for guests. With minimal cleanup and so much flavor, this recipe just might become your new pasta tradition. Happy cooking!
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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that comes together in no time. With simple ingredients and a creamy tomato sauce, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock, use stock cube for convenience
- 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
- ½ bunch fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to caramelize slightly.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
