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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

5 from 140 reviews

This easy one pot creamy tomato pasta combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil with tender spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 250 g uncooked spaghetti
  • 500 g fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock (use stock cube for convenience)
  • 150 ml double cream
  • ½ bunch fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes to prepare for sautéing.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently until they become soft, fragrant, and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes and cook until they start to caramelize and break down, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
  4. Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add the uncooked spaghetti, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  5. Cook Pasta: Let the pasta cook in the simmering stock for approximately 15 minutes or until it is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil leaves. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy tomato pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired for extra aroma and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh or canned tomatoes depending on availability; canned can add a deeper flavor if fresh aren’t in season.
  • Substitute double cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
  • For a vegetarian dish, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, skillet pasta