One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: A 30-Minute Dinner Winner
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, and the rich, velvety sauce is packed with fresh basil flavor. Perfect for busy families and pasta lovers alike!
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Let’s be honest: after a long day, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. That’s why one-pot dinners are pure magic. This creamy tomato basil pasta cooks entirely in a single pot — from sautéing aromatics to boiling the pasta to simmering the sauce. And the best part? It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. The sauce is lusciously creamy thanks to a touch of heavy cream, while fresh basil and a hint of garlic make every bite pop. It’s comfort food that’s easy enough for a Tuesday night.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Most of them you probably already have on hand! Here's your quick shopping list.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked penne or other short pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- optional red pepper flakes for heat(optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
📋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. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil.
- 3
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- 4
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- 5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan (or use a vegetarian Parmesan).
- •If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it up.
- •Don't skip stirring occasionally — it prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Cooking Tip
For the creamiest sauce, take the pot off the heat before adding the heavy cream. This prevents the cream from curdling and ensures a silky, smooth texture. Also, always use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better and has way more flavor than the pre-shredded stuff.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick if you like heat. And don't forget a glass of your favorite red wine — a Chianti or Sangiovese works wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is the kind of recipe you'll come back to again and again. It's quick, effortless, and packed with comfort-food flavor. Plus, with just one pot to clean, you'll have more time to enjoy your evening. Give it a try tonight — I promise you'll love it!
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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