Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is everything you want on a busy weeknight: comforting, packed with fresh flavor, and gloriously simple. Every bite is silky and bright thanks to luscious double cream, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all tied together with a twirl of spaghetti. What makes this dish a true standout is its one-pot magic—minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. It’s my go-to recipe for when I want something cozy, unfussy, and delightful in every sense. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this pasta never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no better feeling than creating a crave-worthy meal from simple, humble ingredients—especially when each one shines as brightly as it does here. With just a handful of supermarket staples, you can whip up Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta that tastes like it came straight from a kitchen in Italy. Each element is chosen to balance flavor, texture, and even color, so don’t skip on any of them!

• Spaghetti: This is the backbone of the dish, soaking up all that creamy, tomato-rich goodness as it cooks.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Using fresh tomatoes, rather than tinned, gives a juicy tanginess and that iconic red hue.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best for a full, rounded flavor, and it helps those onions and garlic sing.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic kick that lifts the creamy sauce.
• Onion: Opt for a yellow or sweet onion to provide the base of gentle, caramelized flavor.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock: This is where richness happens—choose your favorite for extra depth (I love veggie stock for a vegetarian version).
• Double Cream: The secret weapon for turning a simple tomato pasta into a silky, crave-worthy meal.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t skip this—fresh basil brightens everything up and adds a gorgeous pop of color.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by grabbing a medium, high-sided skillet or saucepan—it’s the only pot you’ll need! Pour in the olive oil and let it heat over medium for about two minutes. When the oil shimmers, you’re ready for the next step. This gentle heating ensures your aromatics will infuse the oil, building a base with lots of flavor from the very beginning.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the warm oil. Stir gently and let them sauté until they turn translucent and aromatic, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step shouldn’t be rushed—the goal is to coax out sweetness from the onion and release all that garlicky goodness. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible right about now!

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

Next, add your freshly chopped tomatoes straight into the pot. Stir well and let them cook down until they start to caramelize ever so slightly, usually 5–7 minutes. You’ll notice the tomatoes softening and their juices mingling with the other ingredients—a sure sign your sauce is bursting with fresh flavor for the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in your chosen stock, then add the dry spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the tomato-stock mixture. If needed, break the spaghetti in half to fit comfortably in the skillet. This step is the real one-pot magic: the pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing all that fragrant flavor as it softens.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and the sauce thickened, with just enough creaminess to coat every strand. If it starts to look dry, add a splash more stock or water. Taste for doneness—don’t be afraid to sneak a bite or two!

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the double cream and ribbons of fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to meld together, which will thicken the sauce and create that luscious, creamy texture. Your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is officially almost ready for its grand entrance.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the steaming pasta into bowls, garnishing generously with extra basil if you like. That’s it! Seven simple steps and dinner is served—creamy, tomato-rich, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

This dish loves a little extra flair. Tear or chiffonade fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top, or grate over a snowy drift of Parmesan cheese (or a vegetarian hard cheese). A drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of black pepper also does wonders for heightening those creamy, tangy flavors.

Side Dishes

For a little more substance, pair your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables—think asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers—make lovely, colorful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Let this pasta be the star of your table: swirl it tall with tongs for impressive height, serve family-style on a big platter, or pile it into individual bowls with a sprig of basil on each. For a fresh twist, top with toasted pine nuts, or add a swirl of extra cream just before serving for a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta keeps well for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but a splash of stock or cream when reheating brings it right back to perfect.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, let the pasta cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Note: the cream sauce won’t be quite as silky after thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of stock, water, or cream. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the sauce creamy. Don’t overcook, or the pasta can become mushy—just heat it through until piping hot and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Swap double cream for a plant-based cream or full-fat coconut milk and use vegetable stock. Garnish with vegan hard cheese or nutritional yeast for extra umami.

Which pasta shapes work best if I don’t have spaghetti?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work beautifully. Just adjust the cook time as needed and keep an eye on the liquid—add a splash more stock if the sauce starts to look too thick.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great substitute, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Choose whole, peeled, or chopped canned tomatoes and use roughly the same weight. The sauce may be slightly richer in flavor.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

For even more lusciousness, stir in an extra splash of double cream or add a dollop of mascarpone at the end. A handful of grated Parmesan also amps up the creaminess and depth.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Certainly! Toss in cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or seared tofu during the last few minutes of cooking. Chickpeas or white beans also blend in easily for a complete, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that somehow tastes even better than it looks. If you’re craving a quick, cozy dinner that feels special with little effort, give this recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you—and so will your taste buds!

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