![- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fusilli) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) When I make One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, I always start with the main ingredients. You need pasta, olive oil, and onion. The pasta can be penne or fusilli, whichever you like best. The olive oil adds richness, and the onion gives a nice base flavor. Next, I add the additional ingredients: garlic, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Garlic brings a lovely aroma. The crushed tomatoes add sweetness and depth, while the broth gives the dish its body. For the creamy components, I use heavy cream or coconut cream. This choice brings a smooth texture. I also add dried oregano and sugar. Oregano adds a warm, earthy note, and sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Finally, don’t forget the seasoning and garnish. You need salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves give a burst of flavor. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a salty finish to the dish. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy creating this simple delight! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to soften and become slightly translucent. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1 minute until it gives off a nice, fragrant smell. This step builds a strong flavor base. Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. When the pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Add the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it hot, garnished with extra basil and cheese if desired. Enjoy your One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! For the full recipe, check the ingredients list above. To get perfect al dente pasta, keep these tips in mind: - Use plenty of water and salt when boiling. - Stir the pasta often while it cooks. - Check the pasta a minute or two before the package time ends. If you find too much liquid left, don’t fret! Here’s how to fix it: - Turn up the heat to help it evaporate. - If needed, add a splash of cream to thicken it. To enhance the flavors in your dish, try these ideas: - Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley as options. - Consider adding a squeeze of lemon for brightness. When it comes to basil, choose wisely: - Sweet basil is a classic choice. - Thai basil gives an exciting twist to the flavor. Pair your creamy tomato basil pasta with these sides: - A light green salad with lemon dressing. - Garlic bread for a tasty crunch. For garnishes, consider these ideas to elevate your dish: - Extra basil leaves add color and flavor. - Grated cheese gives a nice touch and richness. For the full recipe, see [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can make this dish dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut cream adds a rich, creamy texture without dairy. The taste will have a slight coconut hint, which pairs well with tomatoes and basil. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives, like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. These options give a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Adding protein can make this meal more filling. Chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work great. For chicken or shrimp, cook them first in the pot, then set aside. Add them back in when you mix in the cream. This keeps the flavor rich and balanced. For chickpeas, simply rinse and add them in with the pasta. This way, they soak up the sauce's flavors without changing the dish. You can easily add more veggies to this recipe. Spinach or bell peppers are excellent choices. Chop them small so they mix well with the pasta. Add spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts down nicely and adds color. For bell peppers, add them at the start with the onions. This way, they cook until tender and sweet. More veggies make the dish healthier and more colorful. To store leftovers, place One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it may lose flavor and quality. When reheating, the best method is to use the stove. Heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If it looks dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, let it cool fully. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid to keep it creamy. Enjoy your easy meal again! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make this pasta, you need a few steps. Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Sauté chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Next, stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring this to a gentle boil. Add your pasta to the pot and stir well. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente. Then reduce the heat and add heavy cream or coconut cream. Mix well until creamy. Finally, stir in chopped basil and cheese, if using. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve it hot and enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Penne and fusilli are great choices, but you can also try rotini or farfalle. Each shape has a different cooking time. For this recipe, most pasta shapes cook well in about 10-12 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. If you want to skip heavy cream, you have options. Coconut cream is a good choice for a dairy-free dish. It adds a nice flavor and creamy texture. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty taste. Another option is to blend silken tofu with a bit of water. This gives you a smooth and creamy base without the dairy. Using fresh tomatoes is possible and can add great flavor. If you choose fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 medium-sized ones. First, blanch them in hot water for a minute to make peeling easy. Then, chop them and add them to the pot along with the broth. Just remember that fresh tomatoes may need a bit longer to cook down compared to crushed tomatoes. Make sure to adjust your cooking time as needed. This blog post breaks down making One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. We covered the main and additional ingredients, the creamy components, and how to season and garnish your dish. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure your pasta turns out perfect every time. You learned tips for texture and flavor, as well as variations to customize your meal. Remember, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and great for sharing. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy cooking!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6e6b25a1-f0b9-4494-a283-58b78d0a1ab5-250x250.webp)
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Indulge in a delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This easy recipe combines pasta, fresh basil, and a rich, creamy sauce all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting meal that impresses with its flavor. Dive into the recipe and discover how simple ingredients can create a dish your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe now!