One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta – Ready in 25 Minutes
Craving comfort food but short on time? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta delivers rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked noodles in just 25 minutes. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you're craving something warm, satisfying, and downright delicious. With just one pot and 25 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that the whole family will devour.
What makes this recipe so special? It's the perfect marriage of rich, velvety tomato cream sauce and al dente pasta, all cooked together in a single pot. No separate boiling, no extra dishes — just pure, unadulterated comfort. Plus, the fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 12 oz penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 12 oz penne or other short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 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 the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- 2
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Add the dry pasta to the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 4
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
- 5
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- •For a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth before adding the pasta.
- •Use fresh Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best melting and flavor.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Cooking Tip
Don't rinse the pasta after cooking! The starch left on the noodles helps thicken the sauce naturally, giving you that luscious, creamy texture without any extra thickeners.
How to Serve Your Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
This one-pot pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into a feast. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce left in the bowl.
For a protein boost, top each serving with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits. The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with just about anything. And if you're feeding a crowd, simply double the recipe — the one-pot method scales up easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is proof that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. In just 25 minutes, you get a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — minus the pile of dishes. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
So grab your biggest pot and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your dishwasher) will thank you. Don't forget to pin it for later and share your creations with us — we love seeing how it turns out in your kitchen!
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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