One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: A 30-Minute Weeknight Dream
Tired of endless dishes? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is your new weeknight hero. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, it's pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Pasta
Let me guess: it's 5:30 PM, you're hungry, and the last thing you want is a sink full of dirty pots. This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is here to save the night. Everything cooks in a single pot — pasta, sauce, and all — so you get a silky, flavorful dinner with barely any cleanup.
The magic happens as the pasta releases its starches directly into the sauce, creating a creamy, luxurious texture without needing heavy cream. Fresh basil and a touch of parmesan take it over the top. It's comfort food that works for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)(optional)
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp 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 cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 4
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- 5
Fold in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with extra parmesan and basil.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use a wide pot so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn't clump.
- •If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it's tender, add a splash of broth or water.
- •For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the parmesan (or use a vegetarian parmesan).
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta
Don't Overcook the Pasta
Since the pasta continues to absorb liquid even off the heat, cook it until just al dente. It will finish softening in the residual heat. Overcooking can turn your dish into a mushy mess.
The key to one-pot pasta is getting the liquid ratio right. For every 8 ounces of pasta, you'll need about 2 cups of liquid (broth + tomatoes). This recipe uses 12 ounces of pasta with exactly 2 cups broth plus the juice from the tomatoes, so it's perfectly balanced. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, and don't walk away — you want that creamy sauce, not a burnt bottom.
Feel free to swap the protein: add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage along with the garlic. For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese. You can also add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini — just toss them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tomato basil pasta is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A slice of crusty garlic bread is never a bad idea either — perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. For a touch of freshness, top with extra basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is proof that you don't need a dozen pots and hours of time to make a restaurant-quality dinner. It's simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you're feeding a family on a busy Tuesday or just want a cozy meal for one, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out — tag me on Pinterest so I can see your beautiful bowls of pasta!
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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