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- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil The main ingredients make this dish hearty and comforting. The pasta absorbs all the lovely flavors. The diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. The broth helps create a savory base. You can pick spaghetti or fettuccine based on your mood. Both work well to soak up the sauce. For flavor, onion and garlic are key. They give depth and warmth. Dried Italian herbs bring a touch of the Mediterranean. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. It’s optional, but I love the heat. Garnishing is fun! Fresh basil brightens the dish. It adds a pop of color and flavor. If you want a cheesy touch, sprinkle some Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is great for a vegan option. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. They are must-haves for any dish. This dish is easy and quick. You can make it in one pot with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for 1 minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Now, add in the can of diced tomatoes, along with the vegetable broth. Don’t forget to include the juices from the tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once the mixture is simmering, it’s time to add the pasta. You can use spaghetti or fettuccine, depending on your taste. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want it to be al dente, which means it has a little bite to it. When the pasta is nearly ready, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream until it mixes well. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese. This will make your dish creamy and rich. Finally, stir in the fresh chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend. Let the pasta sit for a moment before serving. This gives it a chance to thicken up a bit. Enjoy your delicious one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta! To ensure your pasta is al dente, check it a minute or two early. You want it firm but not hard. If you use a different pasta type, like penne or rotini, adjust the cooking time. Small pasta cooks faster, while larger shapes take longer. Always stir the pasta while it cooks to prevent sticking. Want to boost the flavor? Add more herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also toss in a pinch of garlic powder for extra zest. For creaminess, try using mascarpone cheese or cream cheese instead of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast works great for a vegan touch. For a pretty presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. Pair this dish with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine complements the meal perfectly. Enjoy the colors and flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your pasta dish will greatly improve with fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes. Try to use fresh basil if possible for a vibrant taste. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with a plant-based milk for a healthier option. Save Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. It can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta better. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to add more for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream. It adds a nice flavor. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. If you need gluten-free pasta, pick a good gluten-free brand. Many options work well here. Just follow the cooking times on the package. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp works great! Cook them first, then mix them in with the pasta. You can also try different herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can change the taste. A bit of lemon zest adds a fresh kick too. You can introduce other veggies to this dish. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini add color and nutrients. You can create similar recipes using different sauces. Try pesto or Alfredo for a new twist. Each choice keeps the one-pot ease while mixing up the flavor. To store your pasta, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents drying. Your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to label the container with the date to track freshness. If you want to freeze the dish, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The pasta can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to help it warm evenly. This keeps the sauce creamy and tasty. Always check if it’s heated through before serving. It takes about 25 minutes to make this dish. You need 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. This quick meal is perfect for busy days. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes. Make sure to add some extra broth to keep it moist. Fresh tomatoes bring a bright flavor to the dish. You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This keeps the dish creamy and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty taste. Yes, this pasta is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat. To store the pasta, allow it to cool first. Then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. In this blog post, I shared how to make a delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. We covered the key ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and cream, plus flavor boosters like garlic and herbs. I detailed steps for cooking and shared tips for perfect results. You can even try fun variations or store leftovers easily. This dish is quick, creamy, and full of flavor. I hope you feel inspired to create this tasty meal in your kitchen!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with creamy tomato sauce and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  • Add the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Remove from heat and let sit for a few moments to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in large bowls, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword basil, creamy, one pot, pasta, tomato