Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but takes minimal effort to prepare, this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistibly creamy, tomato-rich dish where perfectly cooked spaghetti soaks up a luscious sauce bursting with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil. Whether you use tinned tomatoes or fresh ones straight from the vine, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in one satisfying pot without the fuss. It’s the perfect weeknight rescue that makes dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play their own part in building layers of flavor and texture. These essentials create a sauce that’s both rich and vibrant and pasta that cooks to just the right tenderness right in the same pot.

• 250 g uncooked spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up all those creamy, tomatoey juices.
• 500 g fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes): Fresh tomatoes give a bright, natural sweetness, but tinned work great for ease and consistency.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps soften the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful savory note that balances the tomatoes’ acidity beautifully.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: The onion creates a subtle sweetness and depth when gently sautéed.
• 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock: This cooking liquid infuses the pasta with flavor while ensuring it cooks perfectly.
• 150 ml double cream: Adds luscious creaminess that thickens the sauce and brings that indulgent texture everyone loves.
• ½ bunch fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a delicate herbal freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by warming your olive oil in a medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Let it heat for a couple of minutes until it’s shimmering but not smoking, setting the perfect stage for the aromatics to come.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to your oil. Sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until they become soft, fragrant, and translucent. This slow cooking helps release their sweetness and flavor, which foundation the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes

Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes. Cook them until they just start to caramelize slightly, deepening their flavor and creating a natural richness. This step gives the sauce a fresher, more vibrant character than just using canned tomatoes alone.

Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in your chicken or vegetable stock, then nestle in the uncooked spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is submerged fully in the liquid for even cooking. This one-pot method means your noodles absorb every bit of the delicious sauce as they cook.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Allow the pasta to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the pasta is al dente and has soaked up most of the flavorful liquid, it’s ready for the final creamy touch.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil. Let it sit on low heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the cream to meld with the rich tomato base and the basil to infuse its fresh notes. This step transforms the dish into the silky, dreamy pasta you’re about to enjoy.

Step 7: Serve

Dish up your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta hot from the stove, maybe with a garnish of extra fresh basil to brighten each plate. It’s comfort food made wonderfully simple.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this cozy pasta. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of color and bright herbal bite. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can make each serving feel a little more luxurious. For a bit of texture, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes add delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and complementary. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh crunch that balances the creamy sauce nicely. Garlic bread or crusty bread on the side is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or sautéed greens add a nutritious boost without overshadowing the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a swirl of cream on top for a restaurant-feel at home. Layer it in a transparent glass baking dish, topped lightly with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then broil for a golden crust. For a picnic or packed lunch, chill it and enjoy it cold or at room temperature—flavor only intensifies with time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it may thicken in the fridge, but that just means a quick warm-up with a splash of cream or water returns it to perfect consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, but cream-based sauces sometimes separate on thawing. If you plan to freeze, wait to add the cream until reheating. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often, adding a little cream, milk, or water if the sauce feels too thick. This refreshes the creamy texture and heats the pasta evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully because it cooks evenly and soaks up sauce well, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you like. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for thicker shapes.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock to keep it fully vegetarian. Everything else remains the same, and the flavor will be just as delicious and comforting.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the double cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get that beautiful creaminess and rich taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in one pot?

Stirring the pasta every few minutes helps keep the strands separated as they cook. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid covering the pasta so it doesn’t dry out or stick to the bottom.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta work wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce. Add cooked protein at the end just before serving to warm through without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on rotation—comforting, quick, and incredibly tasty. It’s a fuss-free dish that feels like a special treat, perfect for busy evenings or anytime you want a cozy meal with minimal cleanup. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!