Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the dream weeknight dinner for busy cooks and comfort food lovers. Imagine spaghetti simmering in a fragrant, garlicky tomato base, then swirled with rich cream and tossed with basil — all in just one pot, start to finish! With just a handful of ingredients and almost no cleanup, this pasta brings bold Italian-inspired flavor and a luxuriously creamy texture to your table in about 30 minutes. If you’re craving something both homemade and hassle-free, this recipe is as satisfying as it gets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about these beautifully simple ingredients. Each one plays an essential part in making this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta sing with flavor, vibrant color, and that irresistible creaminess. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why you’ll love it:

• Uncooked spaghetti (250 g): Classic pasta absorbs all the tasty sauce as it cooks, giving you extra flavor in every bite.
• Fresh tomatoes (500 g, chopped) or tinned chopped tomatoes (1×400 g): These are the heart of the sauce, offering freshness and natural sweetness.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): A must for rich flavor and just the right amount of silky mouthfeel.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a hint of heat that brings the entire dish together.
• Onion (1, finely chopped): Offers sweetness and body to the sauce for that classic tomato pasta undertone.
• Chicken or vegetable stock (500 ml): Cooking the pasta straight in stock is a game-changer for flavor — a stock cube works perfectly for convenience.
• Double cream (150 ml): This is where the luscious creaminess comes from, turning your tomato sauce into something magical.
• Fresh basil (½ bunch): Bright and herbaceous, basil adds a finishing touch that perks up the entire dish.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

In a high-sided skillet or a big sauté pan, pour in the olive oil and let it warm over medium heat for about two minutes. This little pause is crucial — you want the oil glossy and shimmering so everything you add next starts cooking right away and soaking up that golden flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté them gently, reigning in the heat if needed, until the onion turns translucent and the kitchen smells like pure happiness. This step is all about coaxing out sweetness and mellowing the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Next, stir in your chopped fresh tomatoes (or that trusty can, if it’s a pantry night). Let them bubble away for several minutes until they soften and start to caramelise just a bit around the edges. This intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a gorgeous color.

Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in the stock and immediately add the uncooked spaghetti, pressing it gently to make sure it’s fully submerged in the flavorful liquid. Ditch the separate pasta pot — all the starchy goodness stays right here with your sauce, making everything velvety as it cooks.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Let the pasta cook at a steady simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick. In about 15 minutes (check early!), your spaghetti should be perfectly al dente and the sauce reduced to just the right creaminess.

Step 6: Combine Cream and Basil

Reduce the heat to low and gently pour in the double cream. Give everything a big, happy stir, then add in most of your fresh basil (chop or tear it for maximum flavor). Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld, and it becomes dreamy and creamy from top to bottom.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into bowls while it’s steaming hot. Top with those extra basil leaves for a flourish of green and a fresh aroma. That’s it — comfort in a bowl, ready to devour!

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

For the perfect finish, sprinkle your pasta generously with more torn basil. You can also add a shower of grated parmesan or pecorino, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a grind of fresh black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted pine nuts or lemon zest can add bright, nutty notes too.

Side Dishes

This dish loves simple sides. Serve it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up every last saucy drop. A crisp green salad with sharp vinaigrette, or even some roasted vegetables, make fantastic partners — adding crunch, color, and extra goodness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into a centerpiece by plating it family-style in a big, shallow bowl. For individual servings, twirl the pasta into little nests using tongs for an elegant touch. You can even top with burrata or serve alongside grilled shrimp or chicken for a special twist. No matter how you present it, this pasta always gets “oohs” and “aahs!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze extra portions. Place cooled pasta into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date it, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and note the cream may separate a little — just give it a good stir after warming.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or stock to loosen the sauce if needed. If microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Garnish with fresh basil after reheating to revive its bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, linguine, or fusilli all work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and add a splash more stock if needed since different shapes absorb liquid differently.

What protein could I add to make this a heartier meal?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy pancetta all pair wonderfully. Stir them in at the end, or serve on top for a delicious twist.

Is it possible to make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegan?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free cream (like oat or soy), vegetable stock, and your favorite vegan pasta. You’ll still get that lovely creamy tomato sauce without any dairy.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Just use a large pot or Dutch oven so there’s plenty of room, and be sure to stir a bit more frequently so everything cooks evenly. This dish was born to please a hungry table!

What if I only have dried basil?

No worries! A teaspoon of dried basil can stand in if you don’t have fresh — just add it along with the tomatoes so it has time to infuse. Sprinkle a little extra for garnish if you like.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta enough for quick dinners, cozy weekends, or any night you crave a little comfort without the mess. Simple, satisfying, and gloriously creamy, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-tos. Give it a try and see just how effortless and delicious homemade pasta can be!

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