One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: A 30-Minute Dinner Winner
Craving a comforting, creamy pasta dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is your new weeknight hero – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and made with simple pantry staples.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Let me introduce you to your new favorite weeknight dinner: one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta. This dish is everything you want in a quick meal – it's rich, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavor. The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, which means you get a delicious, satisfying dinner with hardly any cleanup. It's the perfect solution for those evenings when you're short on time but still want something homemade and hearty.
I love how the pasta absorbs the creamy tomato sauce as it cooks, infusing every bite with that classic combination of tangy tomatoes, sweet basil, and velvety cream. Plus, you can customize it easily – add grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Whether you're feeding your family or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 8 oz penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
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 (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- to taste salt and black pepper
📋Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- 3
Add the uncooked pasta and stir well. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
- 4
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- 5
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta water or milk before serving.
- •If you like a little heat, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip for Creamy Success
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the sauce seems too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of water. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so don't worry if it looks saucy at first.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Pasta
The key to perfect one-pot pasta is using the right amount of liquid. I've tested this recipe with exactly 1 cup of water plus the crushed tomatoes, and it yields a luscious, creamy sauce every time. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add up to 1/2 cup more water. Also, be sure to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam, which helps cook the pasta evenly.
Don't skip the Parmesan here – it adds essential saltiness and helps thicken the sauce. For the best flavor, grate your own Parmesan from a block instead of using the pre-shredded stuff. And fresh basil makes a world of difference, so try to grab a bunch from the store or your garden. Dried basil won't give you that same bright, aromatic finish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tomato basil pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For extra protein, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. A side of garlic bread is never a bad idea either – perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. If you're meal prepping, this pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk or water to revive the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
More Quick Dinner Ideas You'll Love
If you enjoyed this one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta, you'll definitely want to check out my other quick dinner recipes. From 20-minute stir-fries to sheet pan salmon and veggies, I've got plenty of ideas to make your weeknights easier and more delicious. Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later – trust me, you'll be making it again and again!
I hope this recipe brings a little comfort and ease to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you – and if you put your own spin on it, I'd love to hear about that too. 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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