Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in 20 Minutes (One-Pot)
This creamy tomato basil pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, all in one pot. With a rich, velvety sauce made from simple pantry staples, it’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Some nights, you just want dinner to happen — fast, easy, and with minimal cleanup. This creamy tomato basil pasta is my go-to for those evenings. It’s a true one-pot wonder: the pasta cooks right in the sauce, so you get maximum flavor absorption without a colander in sight. Plus, it’s on the table in just 20 minutes.
The sauce is luxuriously creamy thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan, balanced with bright tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels special but comes together with pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe scales beautifully and always satisfies.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz dried pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 oz dried pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📋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 broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the pasta. Stir well.
- 3
Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12-14 minutes or until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of broth or water.
- 4
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Remove from heat and fold in chopped basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use a short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli for best results — they catch the sauce beautifully.
- •For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for the cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.
- •If you prefer a chunkier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta
The key to one-pot pasta success is using the right ratio of liquid to pasta. Since the pasta absorbs the broth as it cooks, you want to make sure there’s enough moisture. I usually start with 2 cups of broth for 8 ounces of pasta, then add a splash more if needed near the end of cooking.
Pro Cooking Tip
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Canned tomatoes can vary in acidity — a pinch of sugar can balance the flavor if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is satisfying on its own, but it’s even better with a side of crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or serve alongside Italian sausage. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This creamy tomato basil pasta is proof that a quick meal doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. With just 20 minutes and one pot, you get a hearty, restaurant-quality dinner that the whole family will love. It’s my ultimate weeknight hero, and I hope it becomes yours too.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Tag me in your photos — I love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
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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