Ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort meal? This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that marries the rich flavors of fresh tomatoes and creamy goodness in just one pot. Say goodbye to post-meal mess and hello to a delightful dining experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more enjoyment and fewer dishes!
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of tomatoes and cream makes for a deliciously indulgent sauce.
- Customizable: It’s easy to adapt with different herbs, cheese, or even a protein of your choice.
- Quick Cooking: Satisfy your pasta craving in 30 minutes or less.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, yet flavorful ingredients, you’ll bring this delicious pasta to life. Each component plays an essential role in achieving that perfect balance of creamy texture and rich taste. Let’s take a look at what’s needed!
- Uncooked spaghetti: The star of the show, make sure to use good-quality pasta for the best texture.
- Fresh tomatoes: If you can, use ripe ones for a richer, fresher sauce; canned tomatoes work too and are a great substitute.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle, flavorful base for sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Garlic and onion: These aromatics create a fragrant, savory foundation for the sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: Adds depth and helps to cook the pasta directly in the pot, infusing it with flavor.
- Double cream: Elevates the sauce with a luxurious touch, making it irresistible.
- Fresh basil: Adds a burst of freshness that complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Variations
The beauty of the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta lies in its versatility. Feel free to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding a personal twist to suit your taste buds!
- Add Protein: For extra heartiness, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella for an extra level of melty goodness.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a delightful kick.
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Let’s start by warming up our pot. Pour in the olive oil and let it get nice and hot over medium heat for about two minutes. This step sets the stage for our sautéing magic!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add in the finely chopped onion and garlic to your pan. Let them do their thing, becoming soft, fragrant, and translucent. Their aromas will fill your kitchen, setting up the deep flavor base for this exquisite pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Once your onions and garlic are beautifully sautéed, introduce the chopped tomatoes. Give them a few minutes to soften and caramelize slightly, enriching the sauce with sweetness and depth.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add the uncooked spaghetti, ensuring it’s completely submerged. This step allows the pasta to soak up all those fab flavors as it cooks. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Basil
With the pasta cooked to al dente perfection, stir in the double cream and sprinkle over the fresh basil. Give everything a gentle mix and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to marry those flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is now ready to grace your table. Serve it hot and, if you like, add an extra touch of fresh basil on top for that restaurant-worthy appeal.
Pro Tips for Making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Ideal Creaminess: Consider using a mix of cream and milk for a lighter yet still creamy consistency.
- Spaghetti Selection: Opt for high-protein pasta to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
- Tomato Texture: For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
- Herbaceous Boost: Add a sprinkle of dried oregano for extra aroma and flavor depth.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate each plate. A touch of freshly ground black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes adds a pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This creamy tomato pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. Roasted vegetables bring a comforting and nutritious balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an artistic flair, serve the pasta in a bowl and garnish with basil leaves arranged delicately around the edge. Create a restaurant-style experience right at home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the pasta cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its delicious flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta for up to a month. Make sure it’s fully cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, a splash of milk can help return it to its creamy, luscious state.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, though cooking times may vary slightly.
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What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more stock or pasta water to loosen it up.
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Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute the double cream with coconut cream and use vegetable stock to keep it vegan-friendly.
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Can fresh tomatoes be replaced with canned ones?
Canned tomatoes work wonderfully as a substitute, especially if making this dish out of tomato season.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity, this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a must-try. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and prepare to indulge in a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish that combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil in a rich sauce, making weeknight dinner quick and easy without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g canned chopped tomatoes)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil, chopped
Pantry Items
- 250 g (1/2 lb) uncooked spaghetti
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
- 150 ml (3/4 cups) double cream
Optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the fresh chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down and caramelize slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then add the uncooked spaghetti, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the double cream and chopped fresh basil, allowing it to sit for 2 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Stock Selection: Use chicken stock for a richer flavor or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute double cream with single cream or a mixture of milk and butter.
- Adjust the cooking time for the pasta depending on the brand and thickness used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 200 g)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
