One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: Ready in 20 Minutes
Craving a comforting, creamy pasta but short on time? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, uses minimal dishes, and is bursting with fresh flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
We've all been there: it's 6 PM, you're hungry, and the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is the answer. It cooks entirely in one pot—no separate pasta draining, no extra saucepans. The pasta absorbs the flavorful tomato broth as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy, starchy sauce without any heavy cream. Plus, it's on the table in just 20 minutes, making it the ultimate quick dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half(optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have. The key is using a good-quality crushed tomato—I recommend San Marzano for sweetness. Feel free to swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or even a dollop of ricotta for creaminess. And don't skip the fresh basil; it adds a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the whole dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
One-Pot 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
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📋Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 3
Add the dried pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid.
- 4
Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream (if using), fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5
Serve immediately with extra basil and Parmesan on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking, especially in the last 5 minutes.
- •If the sauce seems too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water.
- •For a vegan version, use coconut cream and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip: Pasta Perfection
Don't rinse the pasta after cooking—the starch helps thicken the sauce. Also, reserve a little pasta water before draining for an even silkier sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad (try arugula with lemon vinaigrette) and crusty garlic bread. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas. It's also delicious with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. I don't recommend freezing this dish because the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. It's quick, comforting, and requires minimal effort. I hope you love it as much as we do! Let me know in the comments if you tried any variations—I'd love to hear about your twists.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don't forget to share it on Pinterest and follow me for more quick and easy dinner ideas. 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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