Get ready to indulge in the delightfully comforting Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! This recipe melds the lusciousness of fresh tomatoes with the richness of cream, all cooked together in one convenient pot. The result? A scrumptious pasta dish that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this all-in-one pot meal.
- Creamy and Dreamy: The combination of double cream and fresh tomatoes provides a divinely rich sauce.
- Easily Adaptable: Customizable to fit various dietary preferences and tastes.
- Bold, Fresh Flavor: Fresh basil and garlic deliver a burst of freshness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is all about maintaining balance with a few essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
- Spaghetti (250 g / ½ lb): This staple pasta provides the perfect base, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Fresh Tomatoes (500 g / 1 lb): These bring a natural sweetness and tang that enrich the sauce.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoon): Adds depth and richness while helping to sauté the aromatics.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Essential for that signature Italian aroma and flavor punch.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall taste profile.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock (500 ml / 2 cups): Infuses each bite with savory goodness; use a stock cube for convenience.
- Double Cream (150 ml / ¾ cups): The key to that creamy texture, making each bite indulgently smooth.
- Fresh Basil (½ bunch): Introduces a fresh, peppery element that lifts and complements the overall dish.
Variations
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary requirements!
- Swap the Cream: Use single cream or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a protein-rich variation.
- Spice It Up: Introduce a kick with a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium, high-sided skillet, slowly heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes. This preps your pan perfectly for the next aromatic adventure!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Cook gently, stirring often, until they’re soft, fragrant, and translucent—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
It’s time to add those glorious chopped tomatoes. Give them a stir and let them cook until they start to caramelize slightly, which really brings out their sweetness.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. This is when all those flavors start melding into something spectacular.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender yet firm to the bite.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the luxurious double cream and sprinkle in fresh basil leaves, letting them sit for a couple of minutes. This final touch enhances the creamy, delicious harmony of flavors.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta hot, maybe with a sprig of additional basil to make it extra pretty. Enjoy every creamy, tomato-filled bite!
Pro Tips for Making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Perfect Sauté: Keep a close eye on your garlic and onions. You want them translucent, not browned, to maintain that delicate aroma.
- Pasta Choice Matters: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes—penne or fusilli work just as beautifully!
- Fresh Basil Boost: For an added punch of freshness, tear the basil rather than chopping it to keep its essential oils intact.
- Creamy Consistency: Adjust the cream quantity to get your desired thickness. Go for gold in richness or take it easy for a lighter touch!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
Sprinkle your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of black pepper. A few more fresh basil leaves can also add a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, tossed salad or a slice or two of garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy texture and keep the meal light yet fulfilling.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in deep bowls to capture all the creamy sauce with each forkful. For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of basil pesto over the top before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. This pasta’s flavor profile only gets better with time!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to a month. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain its lovely creamy texture. Stir occasionally until fully warmed through.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, penne or fusilli will absorb the sauce beautifully too.
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What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil or a bit of Italian seasoning for a similar flavor profile.
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How do I make this vegan?
Substitute the double cream with coconut milk or a vegan cream alternative, and use vegetable stock to keep it plant-based.
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Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat if desired.
Final Thoughts
We are overjoyed to share this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with you! It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in or to impress guests with minimal fuss. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the burst of flavors. We promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious vegetarian dish that combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil with creamy undertones, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 250 g (1/2 lb) uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock (or chicken stock if preferred), prepared from stock cube
- 150 ml (3/4 cups) double cream
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook gently, stirring frequently, until they are soft, fragrant, and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they begin to caramelize and break down, developing richer flavors.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour the vegetable stock into the skillet, then add the uncooked spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the double cream and fresh basil leaves. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired, and enjoy this creamy, comforting pasta dish.
Notes
- Stock Selection: Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian dish, or chicken stock for richer flavor.
- Cream Alternatives: Substitute with single cream or milk mixed with a teaspoon of butter for a lighter version.
- Cooking Time: Adjust the cook time if using different pasta types or if you prefer softer or firmer pasta.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
