If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the comforting essence of home cooking with very little fuss, it’s this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. With juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, plenty of fresh basil, and a splash of luscious cream, this pasta comes together in just one pot for a meal that’s as easy as it is soul-satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe on busy weeknights or whenever those cozy pasta cravings hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is that you only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each one playing a special role. Together, they build layers of bright flavor, silkiness, and irresistibly rich color in just a few steps.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The classic shape soaks up sauce beautifully and cooks perfectly in one pot with the tomato base.
- Fresh tomatoes (or canned): Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best burst of flavor, but good-quality canned work just as well for convenience.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil gently sautés the aromatics, helping release their full flavor potential.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp—freshly minced garlic brings that familiar, comforting fragrance.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth that underpins the whole sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: This is your flavor booster; stock infuses the pasta with seasoned goodness as it cooks.
- Double cream: For silkiness and a rich finish, just a splash swirled in at the end transforms the sauce into something luxurious.
- Fresh basil: Plenty of basil brings brightness and a fresh herbal lift that balances the creamy richness.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by grabbing a medium, high-sided skillet or saucepan. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat gently over medium heat for about 2 minutes. This gives you the perfect foundation for flavor—don’t let it smoke, just a gentle shimmer is right where you want it.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the warming oil. Stir and let them slowly become tender and fragrant, turning glossy as the onion goes translucent. This is how all great sauces start! You’ll fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma within minutes.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Drop in your chopped tomatoes (or pour in the tin if using canned). Stir well to combine, and let them cook until they begin to caramelize and break down. You want to see some of the juices cooking off and the color deepening—this is where much of the flavor happens.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Next, pour in all your stock and add the dry spaghetti right to the pot. Give it a gentle nudge to make sure every strand is submerged in that delicious, simmering liquid. The stock will infuse the pasta as it cooks, maximizing flavor at every bite.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let everything simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. The pasta will soften, absorbing the tomato and stock, while the sauce thickens up into something beautifully cohesive.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Once the spaghetti is al dente and the sauce is thick, lower the heat and gently swirl in the double cream along with roughly torn basil leaves. Give it a final stir, then let everything settle for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together into pure, creamy comfort.
Step 7: Serve
Your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is ready! Spoon into bowls and finish with another sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and aroma. Serve piping hot and dig in—no one will believe it all came from just one pot.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch can take this dish from great to unforgettable. Try a scattering of extra fresh basil, a grating of Parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For those who like heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds a gentle kick!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with creamy tomato pasta than a crisp green salad or warm, crusty garlic bread. Roasted vegetables are a wonderful, colorful side and soak up the extra creamy sauce marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your dinner guests by twirling the pasta into little nests on each plate and topping with basil. Or try serving the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl right in the middle of the table—everyone can help themselves to seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to three days without losing its creamy texture or soothing flavor.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this pasta! Just transfer cooled portions to zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within a month—be aware that very creamy sauces may separate slightly, but a good stir after reheating brings it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni work beautifully. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different shapes may need a minute or two more or less.
What can I use instead of double cream?
If you’d like a lighter sauce, single cream, half-and-half, or even a mixture of milk and a knob of butter can be swapped in. The sauce may be a touch less rich, but will still be delicious and silky.
Is Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
It certainly can be! Just make sure to choose a good-quality vegetable stock rather than chicken, and you’ve got a vegetarian-friendly pasta the whole family will love.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or sautéed shrimp at the end for a heartier meal. Chickpeas or white beans also work for a protein boost without meat.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap the double cream for a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Double-check that your pasta is also egg-free if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after something creamy, comforting, and just downright delicious, you owe it to yourself to make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. It’s a true kitchen hero: quick, satisfying, and so much more than the sum of its parts. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to favorite for busy nights and cozy meals alike!
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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and quick creamy tomato pasta recipe that combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cream for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
Tomatoes:
500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic, minced
Onion:
1 onion, finely chopped
Stock:
500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
Double Cream:
150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
Fresh Basil:
½ bunch fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add tomatoes, cook until slightly caramelized.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in stock and add spaghetti.
- Cook Pasta: Cook until al dente, about 15 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cream and basil, let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Choose stock that complements your dish.
- For a lighter option, use single cream or a milk and butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 243mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
