30-Minute One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dinner but short on time? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. It's the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Some nights you just need a big bowl of comfort food without spending an hour in the kitchen. That's where this one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta comes in. With just one pot, you get perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce infused with fresh basil. It's a 30-minute meal that feels like a restaurant-quality indulgence, and cleanup is a breeze.
This recipe is built for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in a single pot — no need to boil pasta separately or dirty extra pans. The pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce as it cooks, making every bite deeply savory. Plus, it's easily customizable: add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in some spinach for extra greens.
Ingredients Checklist
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 8 oz penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)(optional)
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof creamy pasta dinner. The key is not to overcook the pasta — al dente is perfect. Let's get started!
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
📋Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Add the uncooked penne pasta and 1 ½ cups of water. Stir well to ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
- 4
Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- 5
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- 6
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For a thinner sauce, add up to ½ cup more water during cooking.
- •If using a gluten-free pasta, check the package for liquid adjustments — some need more liquid.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Cooking Tip
For the creamiest result, use full-fat heavy cream. If you need a lighter option, substitute half-and-half, but reduce the simmer time slightly to avoid curdling. Always stir in the Parmesan off the heat for a silky sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tomato basil pasta is wonderful on its own, but you can easily turn it into a hearty meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy chickpeas. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, and a dollop of ricotta makes it extra luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is about to become your go-to quick dinner. It's rich, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Give it a try tonight — you won't miss the extra pots and pans.
Written by
Elena HarperI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. On Cooking Word, I share simple, bold-flavored meals that bring people together.
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