Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: one pot creamy tomato basil pasta! Seriously, this dish is a game changer. It’s rich, comforting, and full of that fresh basil flavor that just screams “Italian summer” to me. What I love most is how simple it is—everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! You can practically have it on the table in 25 minutes. Trust me, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the kids adore it, and who can resist a creamy pasta dish? This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I just know it’ll win your heart too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your one pot creamy tomato basil pasta:
- 8 oz pasta: I love using penne or fusilli for this dish, but any pasta you have on hand will do!
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: The base of our sauce—don’t forget to grab the ones with herbs for extra flavor!
- 1 cup vegetable broth: This adds depth, so choose a good quality broth that you enjoy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious creaminess—don’t skimp on this!
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped: Fresh is key here; it brings a vibrant flavor that dried herbs just can’t match.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, cheesy goodness—feel free to add more if you’re feeling fancy!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking; it really brings all the flavors together!
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Making this one pot creamy tomato basil pasta is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every step! Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab a large pot—something that can hold at least 4 quarts is perfect. Toss in your 8 oz of pasta, the can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all), 1 cup of vegetable broth, and the minced garlic. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed together nicely.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Now, turn the heat up to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it because you don’t want it to boil over! You’ll see those bubbles starting to form after a few minutes.
Step 3: Simmer
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This is where the magic happens—stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of that delicious tomato flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
After your pasta is cooked just right, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until everything is combined and you see that beautiful creamy consistency forming. You’ll want it to look silky and smooth!
Step 5: Season and Add Basil
Next, fold in the fresh chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t rush this part—tasting as you go is key to getting the flavors just right!
Step 6: Final Cooking
For the final touch, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it’s evenly heated and creamy. And voila! You’re ready to serve this delightful dish hot and enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one pot creamy tomato basil pasta is a dream come true for busy weeknights! Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings!
- Easy Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have minimal dishes to wash afterward. Yay!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan creates a rich flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and this dish is no exception—they’ll be asking for seconds!
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot creamy tomato basil pasta truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer sauce—trust me, it makes a difference! Don’t be shy with the garlic; it adds a wonderful depth to the flavor. If you want a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes when you add the cream. For extra creaminess, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese—so good! And remember, fresh basil is a must; it elevates the dish from good to spectacular. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one pot creamy tomato basil pasta is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—but trust me, it’s so good, it might not last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or a little extra cream to keep it creamy, and warm it up over low heat, stirring occasionally. You want it hot and delightful without drying it out!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving of my one pot creamy tomato basil pasta: about 450 calories, 25g of fat, 12g of protein, and 45g of carbs. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your creamy goodness guilt-free!
FAQ Section
If you’re wondering about some common questions regarding my one pot creamy tomato basil pasta, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta.
What can I add for protein?
Great question! You can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just add them in when you stir in the cream.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to maintain its creamy texture!
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: 5 Star Weeknight Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This dish features pasta cooked in a creamy tomato basil sauce, all in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine pasta, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and garlic.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: one pot creamy tomato basil pasta
