Savor the rich flavors of our One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious, creamy sauce made from fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup. Simply sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and stir in cream for a delightful finish. Serve it with grated Parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s both quick and delicious!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like pasta, tomatoes, and basil, making it easy to prepare.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving you time and effort.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The creamy sauce is rich and comforting, perfectly complementing the fresh basil and tomatoes.
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite proteins, vegetables, or spices for a personalized touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its delicious flavor and creamy texture appeal to both kids and adults, making it a family favorite.
- Leftover Friendly: This pasta reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with tomatoes and basil, it’s a flavorful way to incorporate fresh ingredients into your meal.
Key Ingredients
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a vibrant flavor. You can use fresh or canned.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brings a fragrant, herbal note to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and aroma.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy flavor (optional for topping).
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil will enhance the flavor significantly compared to canned or dried options.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Add Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Sauté Garlic Carefully: Cook garlic over medium heat to prevent burning, which can lead to a bitter taste.
- Balance the Creaminess: If the sauce is too rich, a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten the dish.
- Customize with Proteins: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein and flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Stir in extra fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the pasta right away while it’s hot and creamy.
More Recipes You’ll Like…
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Delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in Minutes
Description
Savor the rich flavors of our One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious, creamy sauce made from fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup. Simply sauté garlic, add tomatoes, and stir in cream for a delightful finish. Serve it with grated Parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy a comforting meal that's both quick and delicious!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat Olive Oil
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
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Sauté Garlic
Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
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Add Tomatoes
Stir in 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes (or one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
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Add Pasta and Seasonings
Pour in 8 ounces of pasta along with enough water (or broth) to cover the pasta by about an inch. Add salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper).
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Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
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Stir in Cream
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Add Basil and Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.
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Serve
Let the pasta sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- Calories from Fat 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
