There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta after a long day. Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a dish that combines the richness of cream with the bright, fresh flavor of tomatoes, all in a silky, luscious sauce. The best part? You only need one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a delicious, low-fuss dinner.
Growing up, pasta was a staple in my family’s Italian-inspired kitchen. My grandmother would simmer tomatoes with garlic and herbs until they turned sweet and jammy, then swirl in a touch of cream for a truly satisfying dish. This recipe brings back all those comforting flavors but with a modern, one-pot twist — less cleanup, more flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- One-pot convenience for easy cleanup
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Perfectly creamy, rich, and full of flavor
- Uses fresh or canned tomatoes
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and proteins
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Ingredients
- 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock (use stock cube for convenience)
- 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
- ½ bunch fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. This base builds incredible depth of flavor for your sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if using) to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and caramelize slightly for that delicious sweetness.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then add the uncooked spaghetti. Gently push the pasta down to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Let the pasta cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more stock or water.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Basil
Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the double cream and fresh basil leaves. Let the sauce gently bubble for another 1–2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan if you like.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Use fresh tomatoes when in season for the brightest flavor
- Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking to the pan
- Use a high-sided skillet or a Dutch oven to prevent overflow
- Add proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tomato pasta is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of chilled white wine
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the double cream for a plant-based cream and use vegetable stock.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Creamy pasta is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container. Reheat with extra cream or stock to bring it back to its silky texture.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes — just check the cooking time on the package and adjust as needed.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations.
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g ½ lb uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g 1 lb fresh tomatoes, chopped (or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 500 ml 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock (use stock cube for convenience)
- 150 ml ¾ cup double cream
- ½ bunch fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra basil leaves
- Freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
- In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. This base builds incredible depth of flavor for your sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
- Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if using) to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and caramelize slightly for that delicious sweetness.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then add the uncooked spaghetti. Gently push the pasta down to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Let the pasta cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more stock or water.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Basil
- Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the double cream and fresh basil leaves. Let the sauce gently bubble for another 1–2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra basil and freshly grated Parmesan if you like.
Leave a Comment