Quick 30-Minute One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Craving a comforting, homemade pasta dinner but short on time? This one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
Why You'll Love This 30-Minute One-Pot Pasta
After a long day, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. That's why this one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta is a game-changer. Everything cooks together in a single pot — pasta, sauce, and all — meaning less cleanup and more time to relax. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The sauce is velvety, tangy, and perfectly seasoned with fresh basil and garlic. Trust me, this will become your go-to weeknight dinner.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
📋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
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), heavy cream, vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 3
Add the dry penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 5
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use gluten-free pasta if needed — just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
- •Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or canned coconut milk for a lighter version.
- •Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip for Perfect Texture
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking. If the sauce seems too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water. For an extra creamy finish, toss in a pat of butter at the end.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pot pasta is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a slice of crusty garlic bread. For added protein, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas. A glass of Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti makes a great wine pairing. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days — just add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
I hope this quick one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta becomes your new favorite weeknight hero. It's proof that you don't need a dozen pots and hours of time to enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality meal. Tag me when you make it — I'd love to see your creations. 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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