Say hello to your new favorite weeknight comfort food: Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Imagine silky strands of spaghetti coated in a sauce that’s both fresh and luscious, with juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hit of rich cream, all coming together in one single pan. This dish celebrates simplicity without skimping on flavor, and with just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. From its vibrant color to the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen, every bite is a cozy, satisfying escape—plus, cleanup could not be easier!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something almost magical about how a few simple ingredients can come together to create the dreamy, luxurious taste of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Each one plays a key role, from the sweetness of ripe tomatoes to the richness of double cream and the aromatic base of garlic and onion.
- Spaghetti: Classic, long pasta strands that soak up the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
- Fresh tomatoes (or canned): Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for peak juiciness or a quality tin of chopped tomatoes for sweet consistency all year round.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and smoothness, helping to gently cook the aromatics and tomatoes.
- Garlic: Just three cloves, but they bring a fragrant punch that defines the whole dish.
- Onion: Cooking it down releases sweet, mellow flavors that build the base of your sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: The liquid backbone, infusing the pasta with savory richness (choose veggie stock for a vegetarian option).
- Double cream: This is what gives the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta its signature silky, dreamy texture.
- Fresh basil: Torn at the last minute, basil lifts the whole dish with a peppery, herby finish.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by setting your medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm for a couple of minutes. You want the oil shimmering but not smoking—this is the key to releasing all those wonderful flavors from your aromatics without burning them.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the warm oil. Gently sauté for a few minutes until the onion turns soft, translucent, and the kitchen is filled with that irresistible sweet-garlicky aroma. It’s this base that promises a mouthwatering sauce overhead!
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Stir in your chopped fresh (or canned) tomatoes. Allow them to cook down, releasing their juices, and continue stirring until they begin to caramelize just a bit. This step deepens the tomato flavor and gives your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta its beautiful color.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Now pour in your chicken or vegetable stock and slide the uncooked spaghetti right into the pan. Give it a slight wiggle to ensure every strand is nestled under the liquid. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce is the secret to locking in extra flavor!
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure the pasta cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite (al dente) and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Cream and Basil
Reduce the heat and gently swirl in the double cream—you’ll see the sauce instantly transform into something silky and decadent. Finish with a handful of torn fresh basil leaves, letting their fragrance infuse the creamy tomato base. Let it sit for a couple of minutes just to bring everything together.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Spoon your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into bowls while it’s still steaming, garnishing with extra basil if you like. Each serving is glossy, vibrant, and ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
Top your pasta with a final flourish of fresh basil leaves, a few twists of cracked black pepper, or even a snowfall of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Each garnish adds a touch of elegance and bursts of flavor that make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta really shine.
Side Dishes
A side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple leafy green salad rounds out the meal perfectly. The bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of the creamy tomato sauce, and a salad offers a refreshing contrast that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, twirl small nests of spaghetti onto serving plates, sprinkle with basil and cheese, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil for restaurant-style presentation. Or serve in a big family-style dish in the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a speedy dinner.
Freezing
Pasta with cream sauces doesn’t always freeze perfectly, but if you want to freeze a portion, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container once cooled. Just be aware the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or stock to bring back that luscious creaminess. Stir gently until just warmed through, and it’ll taste as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni will all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Is it possible to make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta completely vegan?
Yes! Swap in your favorite plant-based cream and make sure to use vegetable stock. You might also want to try topping with vegan parmesan for added richness.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Of course! Simply sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken or shrimp after the onions and garlic, then continue with the recipe as written. They’ll cook perfectly as the pasta simmers.
What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?
Just add a splash of extra stock or a bit of hot water to loosen it up. Stir well and allow the pasta to absorb the extra moisture until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
You can make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, gently reheat and freshen with a little extra cream and basil for that just-cooked taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s as comforting as it is convenient, you owe it to yourself to give Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta a try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—so go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and let the deliciousness begin!
Print
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this easy one-pot creamy tomato pasta that brings together the freshness of tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the warmth of garlic in a delightful harmony. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
Fresh Tomatoes:
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
Oil and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Stock and Cream:
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
- 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 for 2 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add tomatoes, cook until caramelized.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in stock, add spaghetti.
- Cook Pasta: Cook for about 15 minutes until al dente.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cream and basil, let flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Choose stock to complement dish (chicken stock for richer flavor, vegetable stock for vegetarian).
- For a lighter version, use single cream or a mixture of milk and butter instead of double cream.
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
