π¬ Introduction
Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish but short on time and energy? This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate solution. π§ππ Made with simple ingredients, bold Italian flavors, and just one pot to clean up, itβs the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families, cozy nights in, or beginner home cooks.
With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and a splash of double cream, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, itβs fully customizable and kid-approved!
π Ingredients
π Vegetables & Herbs:
- 500 g fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Β½ bunch fresh basil, chopped
π Pasta & Stock:
- 250 g spaghetti
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
π§ Oil & Fat:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 150 ml double cream
π¨βπ³ Directions
Step 1: SautΓ© the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2β3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
- Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes.
- Cook for 5β7 minutes until they begin to break down and release juices.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Stock
- Pour in the stock and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed to fit the pot.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for 10β12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more stock or water.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Basil
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce heat and stir in the double cream.
- Add chopped basil and stir until everything is silky and well combined.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Top with extra basil or grated cheese if desired.
β±οΈ Servings & Time
- Servings: 3β4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread for a comforting Italian feast
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
- Finish with freshly grated parmesan or red chili flakes for a kick
π Variations
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream or coconut milk
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, white beans, or cooked chicken
- Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat
π§ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing:
- Not recommended due to the cream, which may separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
β 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, one 14-oz can of diced tomatoes works well.
2. Whatβs the best pasta type for this?
Spaghetti or linguine is ideal, but penne or fusilli work too.
3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce wonβt be as rich or creamy.
4. Will dried basil work?
Yes, but use lessβabout 1 tsp.
5. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to taste.
6. Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days.
7. What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of water, milk, or stock to loosen it.
8. Can I add cheese?
Yes β mozzarella, parmesan, or pecorino are great options.
9. What cream works best?
Double cream (heavy cream) gives the silkiest finish.
10. Can I skip the cream?
Yes, itβll be more of a traditional tomato pasta β still delicious!
π‘ Pro Tips
- Chop tomatoes finely for a smoother sauce
- Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness
- Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking
- Add cream off heat to prevent curdling
- Let the pasta sit 5 mins before serving to thicken the sauce naturally
π Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the definition of comfort made simple. It’s rich, creamy, herby, and comes together using pantry staples β with only one pot to clean! π₯£
Perfect for weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving something satisfying and soul-warming in under 30 minutes. ππ
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta β The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish but short on time and energy? This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate solution. π§ππ
Made with simple ingredients, bold Italian flavors, and just one pot to clean up, itβs the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families, cozy nights in, or beginner home cooks.With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and a splash of double cream, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, itβs fully customizable and kid-approved!
Ingredients
π Vegetables & Herbs:
- 500 g fresh tomatoes chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Β½ bunch fresh basil chopped
π Pasta & Stock:
- 250 g spaghetti
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
π§ Oil & Fat:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 150 ml double cream
Instructions
Step 1: SautΓ© the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2β3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
- Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes.
- Cook for 5β7 minutes until they begin to break down and release juices.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Stock
- Pour in the stock and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed to fit the pot.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for 10β12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more stock or water.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Basil
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce heat and stir in the double cream.
- Add chopped basil and stir until everything is silky and well combined.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Top with extra basil or grated cheese if desired.
Notes
π Variations
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream or coconut milk Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, white beans, or cooked chicken Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat π§ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing:
Not recommended due to the cream, which may separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. β 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, one 14-oz can of diced tomatoes works well. 2. Whatβs the best pasta type for this?
Spaghetti or linguine is ideal, but penne or fusilli work too. 3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce wonβt be as rich or creamy. 4. Will dried basil work?
Yes, but use lessβabout 1 tsp. 5. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to taste. 6. Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days. 7. What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of water, milk, or stock to loosen it. 8. Can I add cheese?
Yes β mozzarella, parmesan, or pecorino are great options. 9. What cream works best?
Double cream (heavy cream) gives the silkiest finish. 10. Can I skip the cream?
Yes, itβll be more of a traditional tomato pasta β still delicious! π‘ Pro Tips
Chop tomatoes finely for a smoother sauce Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking Add cream off heat to prevent curdling Let the pasta sit 5 mins before serving to thicken the sauce naturally π Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the definition of comfort made simple. It’s rich, creamy, herby, and comes together using pantry staples β with only one pot to clean! π₯£ Perfect for weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving something satisfying and soul-warming in under 30 minutes. ππ
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream or coconut milk Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, white beans, or cooked chicken Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat π§ Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing:
Not recommended due to the cream, which may separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. β 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, one 14-oz can of diced tomatoes works well. 2. Whatβs the best pasta type for this?
Spaghetti or linguine is ideal, but penne or fusilli work too. 3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce wonβt be as rich or creamy. 4. Will dried basil work?
Yes, but use lessβabout 1 tsp. 5. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes to taste. 6. Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days. 7. What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a splash of water, milk, or stock to loosen it. 8. Can I add cheese?
Yes β mozzarella, parmesan, or pecorino are great options. 9. What cream works best?
Double cream (heavy cream) gives the silkiest finish. 10. Can I skip the cream?
Yes, itβll be more of a traditional tomato pasta β still delicious! π‘ Pro Tips
Chop tomatoes finely for a smoother sauce Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking Add cream off heat to prevent curdling Let the pasta sit 5 mins before serving to thicken the sauce naturally π Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the definition of comfort made simple. It’s rich, creamy, herby, and comes together using pantry staples β with only one pot to clean! π₯£ Perfect for weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving something satisfying and soul-warming in under 30 minutes. ππ