Few dinners hit that perfect balance of comfort and simplicity like Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. This is the dish I crave on busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly; the silky sauce, made with fresh tomatoes and lush cream, clings to each strand of pasta, making every bite a warm, satisfying hug. The best part? Everything comes together in just one pot, so you get maximum flavor with minimal mess—leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is in its unfussy, honest ingredients. Each component brings its own flair: pasta soaks up the creamy sauce, ripe tomatoes provide brightness, and basil adds a pop of herbaceous freshness. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and you’re only a few steps away from a dreamy dinner.
- Spaghetti (250 g / ½ lb): Choose your favorite brand; spaghetti gives that twirlable texture, but any pasta shape works.
- Fresh Tomatoes (500 g / 1 lb): Chopped ripe tomatoes are ideal for freshness and a burst of color—substitute with a 400 g can for convenience.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Use the best you have; it’s the flavor foundation for sautéing your aromatics.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic builds that classic savory aroma that anchors the sauce.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Sweet, soft onions melt into the base and balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock (500 ml / 2 cups): Stock brings all the flavors together—use a cube for ease or homemade for deeper taste.
- Double Cream (150 ml / ¾ cup): This is what gives the pasta its signature creaminess and rich, luxurious feel.
- Fresh Basil (½ bunch): Bright, peppery basil finishes the dish with a vibrant, aromatic lift.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by placing a medium, high-sided skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for about 2 minutes—enough time for it to shimmer but not smoke. This gentle preheat means your onion and garlic will sizzle just right without burning.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around until they’re soft, fragrant, and turning slightly translucent. That moment when garlic fills the kitchen air? The best. This stage lays a savory, well-rounded foundation that makes every bowl of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta special.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Next, add the chopped tomatoes (or canned). Let them cook until they begin to break down and caramelize a bit. Stir occasionally; you want the tomatoes to release their juices and intensify in flavor, creating that irresistible base for your creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in your chosen stock, then add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the pot. Push the pasta down gently so it’s mostly submerged. The pasta will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and making cleanup almost too easy.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let the pasta simmer in the tomato-stock mixture for about 15 minutes. Stir now and then, especially early on, to keep the spaghetti from sticking together. You’re looking for al dente pasta—tender but with a gentle bite. The sauce will thicken beautifully as the pasta cooks.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Lower the heat and stir in the double cream and most of the fresh basil. Give it a gentle mix so everything comes together and those fragrant basil notes start to infuse the sauce. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat, allowing the flavors to marry into a creamy, tomatoey dream.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the hot Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into bowls and top generously with more fresh basil if desired. Marvel at how quickly dinner came together and dig in while it’s piping hot and silky.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
A final shower of freshly torn basil or a grating of parmesan truly makes this dish sing. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes can add a little something extra for those who love a kick. Serve right away so the creamy sauce is at its absolute best!
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own, but some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up extra sauce. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with lemony dressing balances all that comforting richness. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter pair beautifully without much extra effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner, pile the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta high in a shallow bowl and top with a big basil sprig. Or try serving it family-style in the skillet, letting everyone dig in at the table. For a cozy night for two, serve in deep bowls with candles and a glass of wine—ultimate comfort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover pasta completely, then transfer to a sealed container and pop it in the fridge. Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta will keep well for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making next-day lunches something to look forward to!
Freezing
While creamy pastas are best fresh, you can freeze individual portions if you must. Let the pasta cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight to prevent the sauce from separating and stir well before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. This keeps the sauce smooth and luscious, almost as if you just made it. Avoid letting it boil vigorously to prevent the cream from splitting.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, a single 400g can of chopped tomatoes works perfectly, giving the same rich, velvety sauce in the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just use vegetable stock instead of chicken. All the remaining ingredients are vegetarian, so it’s easy to adapt for meat-free nights.
What if I don’t have double cream?
No problem—swap in single cream, half-and-half, or even a blend of milk and a little butter. You’ll still get a satisfyingly creamy result that makes the pasta irresistible.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You sure can! While spaghetti is classic, penne, fusilli, or even linguine all soak up the sauce deliciously. Just check for doneness a minute or two earlier, as shapes can cook at different rates.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or pasta in the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free options can cook faster and may need a bit less liquid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof, soul-satisfying meal, you can’t go wrong with Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. It’s a true weeknight winner—creamy, fresh, and loaded with flavor in every forkful. Grab your favorite pot and give this recipe a try; it just might become your new comfort food go-to!
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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy and delicious.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
Tomatoes:
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Stock:
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock, use stock cube for convenience
Cream:
- 150 ml (¾ cups) double cream
Basil:
- 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.
Notes
- Stock Selection: Choose stock that complements your dish (chicken stock for a richer flavor, vegetable stock for a vegetarian option).
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use single cream (half-and-half) or a mixture of milk and butter instead of double cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 565kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
