There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty, and flavorful pasta dish that requires minimal effort and cleanup. That’s where the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta comes in—a simple, delicious recipe that combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the fresh aroma of basil, all cooked together in just one pot.
This dish isn’t just convenient; it’s also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even when you’re entertaining guests but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its velvety sauce, tender pasta, and bright herbs, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta—from the complete list of ingredients to step-by-step instructions, useful cooking tips, nutritional breakdown, serving suggestions, and creative variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to cook this dish like a pro and wow anyone who takes a bite!
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this rich, flavorful pasta dish:
- 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (or fresh pureed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, you only need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large, deep pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
That’s it! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—minimal tools, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Follow these steps for a foolproof, creamy, and delicious pasta dish:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, and chili flakes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes. This deepens the tomato flavor.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the pasta and broth. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook Pasta in One Pot
Let the pasta cook directly in the tomato broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter (if using). Mix well until the sauce turns creamy and coats the pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
Turn off the heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil on top. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Choose the right pasta – Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the sauce.
- Stir often – Since everything cooks in one pot, frequent stirring helps prevent sticking.
- Adjust creaminess – Add more cream or cheese for a richer sauce, or keep it lighter with more broth.
- Make it vegan – Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Protein boost – Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Spice it up – Increase chili flakes or add cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
- Meal prep friendly – This pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Value (per serving, approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Vitamin C: 25% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta lies in how the pasta cooks directly in the tomato broth, absorbing all the rich flavors. This method also releases starch from the pasta, naturally thickening the sauce and creating a creamy texture without needing too much dairy. It’s convenient, efficient, and irresistibly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is versatile and pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A crisp garden salad with balsamic dressing
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
- A light dessert such as panna cotta or fruit salad
If serving for guests, garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for restaurant-style presentation.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Arrabbiata Style – Add more chili flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Alfredo Twist – Stir in extra Parmesan and mozzarella for a richer sauce.
- Mediterranean Inspired – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Healthy Boost – Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms during cooking.
- Seafood Version – Toss in shrimp or scallops for a gourmet twist.
Conclusion
The One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is the ultimate comfort food recipe—simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Next time you need a quick dinner that impresses, try this recipe and watch it become a household favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with fresh basil and tangy tomato, is guaranteed to make this pasta dish unforgettable.
