Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you know the joy of a meal that comes together quickly but still feels like a comforting hug on a plate. This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s creamy, flavorful, and best of all, it all cooks in one pot—which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

I discovered this recipe on a hectic weeknight and instantly fell in love with how the fresh tomatoes meld with the creamy sauce, giving you that fresh yet indulgent taste without standing over the stove all evening. You’ll find that this recipe is brilliant for a cozy dinner when you want something homemade but fuss-free.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create this luscious pasta. I always recommend fresh tomatoes if you can get your hands on some—they add a brightness canned just can’t mimic, but a good-quality canned tomato works perfectly too.

• Uncooked spaghetti: Choose your favorite type; I often use regular spaghetti, but whole wheat works well too.
• Fresh tomatoes or canned chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a fresh zing, but tins are super convenient and flavorful year-round.
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil really deepens the flavor in the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds a fragrant punch you don’t want to skip!
• Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and body to the sauce.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: I like chicken stock for richness, but veggies make it perfect for vegetarians.
• Double cream: This gives the sauce that silky texture; you can tweak to single cream or milk blends if you want it lighter.
• Fresh basil: Chopped basil adds freshness and a lovely herbaceous note—don’t skip this if you can help it.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe depending on mood and what I have in the fridge. You can really make it your own—and that’s part of the fun.

• Add Protein: Sometimes I throw in cooked chicken pieces or crunchy pancetta for an upgrade—my family goes crazy for the extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Using vegetable stock plus adding mushrooms or spinach boosts the nutrients and flavor without losing richness.
• Spicy Kick: If you like heat, a pinch of chili flakes during the sauté really wakes up the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap double cream for coconut milk for a creamy but dairy-free alternative that’s surprisingly delicious.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Olive Oil

Start by heating olive oil in a medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Warming the oil first helps to gently release the garlic and onion flavors without burning them. I always use a skillet with sides for this recipe to keep the liquid from splashing out as the pasta cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to your warm oil. Stir occasionally and cook gently until the onions are soft, translucent, and the garlic gives off that irresistible aroma—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part because it really sets the base flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Next, stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes. Let them simmer gently, allowing those sugars to caramelize slightly—this deepens the tomato flavor in a way that’s incredibly comforting. It’s one of those steps where patience really pays off; about 5-7 minutes is perfect.

Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in your chicken or vegetable stock, then add the uncooked spaghetti. Make sure the spaghetti is fully submerged—this makes all the difference because the pasta actually cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those flavors. I like to use tongs right away to gently coax the pasta into the liquid if it’s sticking out. It cooks much like risotto, and it’s magic!

Step 5: Let the Pasta Cook Gently

Allow the pasta to cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want it al dente, meaning it still has a bit of bite to it, so keep an eye on it from the 12-minute mark. If the liquid evaporates too fast, add a splash more stock or water to keep it moist.

Step 6: Finish With Cream and Basil

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, gently stir in the double cream and roughly chopped fresh basil. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes so the cream melds into the tomatoes and the basil releases its fragrance—this finishing touch is what takes the sauce from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Serve the pasta piping hot with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil or a grind of black pepper on top. I like to keep it simple because the creamy sauce is the star, but feel free to get creative with garnishes!

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping garnishes simple—extra fresh basil leaves and a little cracked black pepper go a long way. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil for that finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta packs flavor and creaminess, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky sautéed greens like spinach or kale to balance things out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with a basil sprig and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a little crunch. Adding a side of crusty garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine makes it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container placed in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store it, I usually add a small splash of cream or milk before reheating to revive the silky sauce texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta once when I made a big batch—wrap it tightly in freezer-safe containers. Just note that the texture might change slightly, so it’s best eaten within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat this dish gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently and adding a bit of stock or cream to keep it from drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the sauce separate, so slow stovetop warming is my go-to.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes I keep going back to because it delivers on flavor without the fuss. I remember the first time I made it exactly as written and was amazed at how the sauce and pasta cooked together so effortlessly, making dinner feel like a special treat on a busy night. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for sharing with family or cozying up to yourself.

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