One Pot Creamy Tomato

This creamy tomato pasta transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dinner in just one pot. The fresh tomatoes break down to create a silky sauce that coats every strand of pasta, while the garlic and basil add layers of flavor that make this dish feel special enough for company yet easy enough for weeknights.

I first created this recipe during a busy exam week in college when I needed something comforting but had zero energy for anything complex. Years later, it's still my go to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when I need dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor.

• Spaghetti 250g provides the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce and holds up well during the one pot cooking process
• Fresh tomatoes 500g adds bright acidity and natural sweetness that forms the base of our sauce
• Olive oil 2 tablespoons use a good quality one as its flavor comes through in the finished dish
• Garlic 3 cloves minced creates an aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish
• Onion 1 finely chopped adds sweetness and depth when properly sautéed
• Stock 500ml chicken or vegetable both work beautifully and help cook the pasta while creating sauce
• Double cream 150ml transforms the tomato base into a luxurious silky sauce
• Fresh basil half bunch brightens the dish and adds that classic Italian aroma

How To Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Prepare Your Base

Heat olive oil in a large high sided skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. This usually takes about 2 minutes over medium heat. The right temperature ensures your aromatics sauté properly without burning.

Create The Flavor Foundation

Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil, stirring frequently. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for your entire dish so resist the urge to rush it.

Develop The Tomato Sauce

Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as they soften and begin to release their juices. Allow them to caramelize slightly which concentrates their flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the final dish.

Introduce Liquid And Pasta

Pour in your stock of choice making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dry spaghetti, ensuring it's completely submerged in the liquid. If needed, break the pasta in half to fit your pan properly.

Monitor The Cooking Process

Allow everything to simmer together for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid while releasing starch that naturally thickens your sauce. Test the pasta for doneness around the 12 minute mark.

Finish With Richness

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the double cream and torn fresh basil leaves. Allow everything to meld together for 2 minutes off the heat before serving. The residual heat will warm the cream without curdling it.

This dish reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen where simplicity was always prized over complexity. She taught me that the most memorable meals often come from the fewest ingredients treated with respect. The first time I made this for her, she smiled and said "Sometimes the pot does the hardest work for us" a cooking philosophy I've carried with me ever since.

Substitution Guide

Don't worry if you don't have every exact ingredient called for in this recipe. This pasta dish welcomes adaptation based on what's available in your pantry. For the pasta itself, any medium length variety works well in place of spaghetti penne, fusilli, and farfalle all hold the sauce beautifully. If fresh tomatoes aren't in season, a 400g tin of quality chopped tomatoes makes an excellent substitute.

For a lighter version, replace the double cream with single cream or even Greek yogurt stirred in off the heat. Vegans can use coconut cream or a cashew cream for similar richness. The fresh basil can be swapped for dried in a pinch just use about a tablespoon or substitute with oregano for a different but complementary flavor profile.

Storage And Reheating

This creamy tomato pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, which is actually a bonus when reheating. To revive the dish, add a splash of water or stock to your portion before warming it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally while reheating to redistribute the sauce.

If you're making this ahead for meal prep, consider cooking the pasta just shy of al dente so it doesn't become too soft when reheated. For the best flavor, add a fresh garnish of torn basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving your reheated portion.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines as a main dish but welcomes thoughtful accompaniments. A simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil provides a bright contrast to the richness of the creamy sauce. For added protein, consider topping each serving with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or for vegetarians, roasted chickpeas or white beans folded in just before serving.

A piece of crusty garlic bread makes the perfect tool for capturing any sauce left in the bowl. For wine lovers, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti that won't overpower the delicate cream and tomato flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil for fresh, but use about 1-2 teaspoons instead as dried herbs are more concentrated. For the best flavor, add dried basil earlier in the cooking process with the tomatoes rather than at the end.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

While spaghetti is recommended, most long pasta varieties like linguine or fettuccine work well. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or fusilli can also be used, but may require slight adjustments to cooking time and liquid ratio.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream. For additional creaminess, blend soaked cashews with water until smooth and use this mixture instead of dairy cream.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or stock and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The pasta may absorb some sauce while stored, so additional liquid helps restore its creamy consistency.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! This pasta pairs wonderfully with added protein. Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage after the pasta is cooked. For vegetarian options, stir in white beans or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking.

→ Is there a way to make this dish spicy?

Definitely! Add red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onion, or incorporate a diced fresh chili. For a smoky heat, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce just before adding the cream.