The One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort meal. With tender spaghetti simmered directly in a rich tomato base, then finished with cream and basil, it creates a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
Fresh or canned tomatoes provide natural sweetness, while garlic and onion build the flavor foundation. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making it quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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The Story Behind This Dish
Why One Pot Pasta Is So Popular
Cooking pasta directly in sauce is more than convenient — it enhances flavor. Instead of draining pasta water, the starches stay in the pot, naturally thickening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles. This means every bite is silky, rich, and deeply flavorful.
Comfort Meets Simplicity
This dish captures the essence of Italian-inspired comfort food while embracing modern efficiency. Using just a handful of ingredients, it proves that simple meals can be both hearty and delicious. With fresh basil and cream balancing the acidity of tomatoes, the pasta is cozy yet bright.
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One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
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Description
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta blends spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, garlic, cream, and basil into a rich and comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
250 g (1/2 lb) uncooked spaghetti
500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
150 ml (3/4 cup) double cream
1/2 bunch fresh basil
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
2. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook until slightly caramelized.
3. Pour in stock. Add spaghetti, ensuring noodles are submerged.
4. Cook 12–15 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce slightly thickened.
5. Lower heat. Stir in cream and fresh basil. Let rest 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with more basil.
Notes
Add Parmesan or mozzarella for extra richness. Stir in spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. Store up to 3 days in fridge and reheat with splash of stock or cream.
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Nutrition
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Core Ingredients
- 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g can of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
- 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
- ½ bunch fresh basil
Ingredient Tips
- Tomatoes: Use ripe fresh tomatoes when in season. In colder months, canned tomatoes work perfectly.
- Stock: Vegetable stock keeps it vegetarian, while chicken stock deepens savory notes.
- Cream: Double cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is essential. Parsley can work in a pinch, but basil gives the signature aroma.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Heat the Oil
Add olive oil to a high-sided skillet and warm over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add onion and garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Cook the Tomatoes
Stir in chopped tomatoes. Allow them to cook until they caramelize slightly, releasing sweetness and building depth.
Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti. Push noodles down until fully submerged.
Cook Pasta
Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente, and sauce slightly thickened.
Add Cream and Basil
Lower heat and stir in double cream and fresh basil. Let rest for 2 minutes so flavors meld.
Serve
Dish out into bowls and garnish with extra basil. Serve hot.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
How to Serve
This pasta works beautifully as a standalone dish or as part of a spread. Top with Parmesan for extra richness or drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Pairings
- Crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Garlic bread or fresh salad
For pasta night variety, consider pairing it with your High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. Together, they balance creamy tomato brightness with hearty beef richness.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or stock if sauce thickens.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate.
Variations and Twists
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in mozzarella or Parmesan along with cream.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes with the garlic for gentle heat.
- Vegetable Twist: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the final minutes of cooking.
FAQ Section
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.
What pasta shapes work best?
Spaghetti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli also hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use vegetable stock and coconut cream, and skip any cheese.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and ensure pasta stays submerged in liquid.
Conclusion
The One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe proves that less can be more. With pasta, tomatoes, garlic, cream, and basil, you create a dish that’s both simple and luxurious. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.
