Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both comforting and fuss-free, this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is your new secret weapon. Imagine tucking into a silky, tomato-infused sauce that hugs every strand of spaghetti, with fresh basil to brighten things up and a big, creamy finish that feels utterly indulgent—all in under 30 minutes and with just one pot to clean at the end! This is the recipe I turn to at the end of a long day, or when guests show up and I want something both homey and impressive. Once you try this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’ll never look at weeknight dinners the same way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is in its simple, honest ingredients—each one brings a unique flavor and texture to the table. These everyday staples come together to create a dish that’s much greater than the sum of its parts, bursting with freshness and creamy richness.

• Pasta: 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti; this is the backbone of the dish, soaking up all that beautiful tomato and cream sauce.
• Tomatoes: 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes); they bring juicy, tangy sweetness and gorgeous color.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons; gives the sauce a rich, velvety mouthfeel and helps sauté aromatics to perfection.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; you can’t have tomato pasta without plenty of garlicky aroma and flavor.
• Onion: 1, finely chopped; forms the sweet, mellow base of your sauce.
• Stock: 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock (use a stock cube for convenience); gives depth and seasoning to tie everything together.
• Double Cream: 150 ml (¾ cup); this is what makes the sauce lusciously creamy—swap for single cream or half-and-half to lighten things up.
• Fresh Basil: ½ bunch; adds fresh herbal notes that cut through the richness for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by grabbing a high-sided skillet or a roomy sauté pan (make sure it’s big enough for the pasta!). Pour in your olive oil and heat over medium for a couple of minutes, just until it’s shimmering. Warming the oil properly is key for getting those onions and garlic to release their sweet, savory flavors, setting the stage for a truly delicious Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the pan. Stir them around gently, letting them sizzle until everything is soft and fragrant—think translucent onions and that irresistible garlic scent wafting through your kitchen. This makes the whole base taste like it’s been simmering for hours!

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

Stir in your chopped tomatoes (use fresh, if you have them, or good-quality canned for convenience). Let them bubble away, stirring from time to time, until they just begin to caramelize at the edges. This concentrates their sweetness and gives the sauce a beautiful, deep color that’s the soul of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in your chicken or vegetable stock, then nestle the uncooked spaghetti right into the bubbling mixture. Take a moment to make sure all the noodles are submerged—this ensures even cooking and lets them soak up every bit of flavor from the sauce. Give the pot a gentle stir to keep the pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Cook everything together for about 15 minutes, uncovered and stirring every so often. You’ll watch the pasta absorb the stock and tomato juices, thickening into a creamy sauce right before your eyes. When the noodles are just al dente and there’s still plenty of sauce left, you’re at the finish line.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Reduce the heat, then stir in the luscious double cream and most of the fresh basil (save a bit for garnish). Let the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat—this little pause helps the flavors meld together and creates that signature glossy, dreamy texture you want in every bite of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle your creamy pasta into bowls while piping hot, finishing with a healthy scatter of reserved fresh basil on top. That’s it! Dinner is ready, with just one pot to wash up afterward.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

The right garnish elevates this pasta from comforting to totally crave-worthy. I love tearing extra basil over the top for a burst of color and flavor. A snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan or a swirl of good olive oil can also make Simple Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta taste extra special.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta shines alongside simple salads—think fresh arugula with a squeeze of lemon, or a classic Caprese if you’re feeling fancy. Crusty bread is practically a must, perfect for swiping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta in a big, family-style bowl so everyone can help themselves, or twirl individual portions into nests for an elegant plated presentation. If you’re hosting guests, try topping with crispy prosciutto shards or roasted cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or a second round of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta midweek.

Freezing

For best results, freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce might separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir during reheating will usually bring everything back together.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or stock to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to keep everything creamy and prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, penne, fusilli, or even linguine work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your pasta becomes perfectly al dente.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Dried basil can step in, though fresh definitely brings a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. If you’re using dried herbs, start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

How do I make this vegan?

Simply choose plant-based cream (like oat or soy cream) and vegetable stock. The dish stays rich and creamy—still totally satisfying, and everyone can dig in!

Is it possible to add protein?

Of course! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas at the end, right when you add the cream and basil. It bulks up the meal and soaks up those lovely flavors.

Can I make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it earlier in the day and gently reheat before serving. Just wait to add the fresh basil until the last minute for maximum flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you believe that dinner should be as joyful to make as it is to eat, you’ll fall hard for this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. It’s cozy, reliable, and honestly a bit magical in how quickly it comes together with just a few fresh ingredients. I hope you’ll try it soon—and that it becomes a beloved go-to in your own kitchen!

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