Is there anything better than a one-pot wonder meal that brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen? Let me share how I create my ultimate creamy tomato basil pasta that tastes like a warm hug with every bite!
One pot creamy tomato basil pasta is a delightful dish with linguine and a rich sauce made of crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of heavy cream. I love how the sweetness of cherry tomatoes contrasts with fresh basil, yielding such a perfect harmony of flavors compared to, say, using dried basil.
The dish is also really quick to prepare and, in the prep-to-eating timeframe, ranks as one of the more nutrient-dense choices among the recipes I make with any semblance of regularity.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- Linguine/Spaghetti: Classic pasta, rich in carbohydrates, perfect for hearty meals.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Provide a tangy base, rich in vitamins A and C.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aroma, known for heart health benefits.
- Heavy Cream: Offers creaminess, adds richness, source of calcium.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami flavor, protein-rich, complements tomato profiles.
- Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb, provides fresh taste and vitamin K.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavors, rich in antioxidants.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional fresh basil for garnish
How to Make this One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
1. In a big pot, warm the olive oil at medium heat. Toss in the onion, sliced, and the garlic, minced, and let them mingle in the pot until they have bobbed about in the oil long enough to turn the onion translucent, which happens after about 3-4 minutes.
2. Mix the crushed tomatoes, water, and vegetable broth in the pot. Stir well to achieve a uniform consistency.
3. Introduce the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add the pot of water to high heat and bring it to a rapid boil. When the water reaches a vigorous boil, add a generous amount of salt, at least 1 tablespoon per quart of water. Then add the linguine or spaghetti, making sure it’s completely submerged in the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Make the pot boil and then drop the heat to hold a steady simmer. Let it stay that way for about 10-12 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. As you do, keep watch over the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s level. You want the pasta to be just right (al dente) and for the sauce to be sufficiently sauce-y.
6. Mix in the heavy cream or half-and-half, which will give that sauce a nice, creamy texture.
7. Include the cherry tomatoes that have been cut in half and the Parmesan cheese that has been grated into the pot. Stir until the cheese has melted and the tomatoes are a bit softened.
8. Take the pot off the heat and quickly incorporate fresh basil, roughly chopped, into the mixture.
9. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
10. Serve the hot pasta adorned with extra fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the creamy tomato basil pasta that all cooks up in one pot!
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater
8. Ladle or serving spoon
FAQ
- Q: Can I use another type of pasta instead of linguine or spaghetti?A: Yes, you can employ any variety of pasta you like, though the durations of cooking may differ a bit.
- Q: Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?A: Of course, you may replace the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
- Q: Can I add protein to this dish?Sure, at the end, for added protein, you can mix in any of the following: cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Q: How can I adjust the spice level?A: Change the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your tastes, or leave them out completely for a flavor that’s milder than this dish’s normal profile.
- Q: Can this pasta be made ahead of time?A: It is freshest when just made, but you can make it two days in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
- Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese to make it vegetarian?A. Use a vegetarian parmesan or nutritional yeast as a substitute for cheesy ingredients.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for as long as 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave, with a bit of water or broth.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For the linguine or spaghetti: Use any pasta you like. It can be fettuccine, fettuccine, penne, or whole wheat pasta.
Coconut milk or cashew cream can be used as a substitute to make the recipe dairy-free. If heavy cream or half-and-half is called for, use one of these two options instead.
For cheese that is Parm: Substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile.
To obtain a fresh basil flavor, follow these steps:
1. Plant the seeds in a pot. Use potting soil and keep the seeds about 1/4 inch below the surface of the soil. Water the seeds and place the pot in a bright window.
2. Once the seeds sprout, add a few more hours of light each day so that the seedlings grow sturdy.
3. After about 7 weeks, the seedlings should be about 6 inches tall. You can harvest basil at this stage.
When it comes to olive oil, you can replace it with avocado oil or grapeseed oil, which have a similar fat profile.
Pro Tips
1. Toast the Spices: Before adding the crushed tomatoes, try toasting the dried oregano and red pepper flakes in the olive oil for an extra minute. This will enhance their flavors and infuse the oil with a deeper aroma.
2. Deglaze with Stock: After sautéing the onions and garlic, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of vegetable broth before adding the crushed tomatoes. This will lift any fond (brown bits) stuck to the pot and add complexity to the sauce.
3. Pasta Water Trick: When cooking the pasta, reserve a small cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it’s too thick.
4. Cheese Variety: Instead of just Parmesan, try using a mix of grated hard cheeses for a more complex flavor. Pecorino Romano or Asiago can add a delightful tanginess.
5. Boost the Basil: Add half of the chopped basil during cooking as per the instructions and the rest just before serving. This way, you get a combination of cooked and fresh basil flavors.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
My favorite One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Grater
8. Ladle or serving spoon
Ingredients:
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Additional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a big pot, warm the olive oil at medium heat. Toss in the onion, sliced, and the garlic, minced, and let them mingle in the pot until they have bobbed about in the oil long enough to turn the onion translucent, which happens after about 3-4 minutes.
2. Mix the crushed tomatoes, water, and vegetable broth in the pot. Stir well to achieve a uniform consistency.
3. Introduce the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
4. Add the pot of water to high heat and bring it to a rapid boil. When the water reaches a vigorous boil, add a generous amount of salt, at least 1 tablespoon per quart of water. Then add the linguine or spaghetti, making sure it’s completely submerged in the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Make the pot boil and then drop the heat to hold a steady simmer. Let it stay that way for about 10-12 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. As you do, keep watch over the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s level. You want the pasta to be just right (al dente) and for the sauce to be sufficiently sauce-y.
6. Mix in the heavy cream or half-and-half, which will give that sauce a nice, creamy texture.
7. Include the cherry tomatoes that have been cut in half and the Parmesan cheese that has been grated into the pot. Stir until the cheese has melted and the tomatoes are a bit softened.
8. Take the pot off the heat and quickly incorporate fresh basil, roughly chopped, into the mixture.
9. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
10. Serve the hot pasta adorned with extra fresh basil leaves. Enjoy the creamy tomato basil pasta that all cooks up in one pot!
