Introduction
Easy one pot creamy tomato pasta is the kind of meal that delivers comfort without the cleanup. Everything—yes, even the pasta—cooks in a single pan. The result is a rich, velvety tomato sauce with tender spaghetti and fragrant basil. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy without hovering over the stove. Fresh or canned tomatoes work beautifully, and with just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a full meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Let’s break down how this one-pot pasta becomes your new favorite low-effort, high-reward dish.
Why One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Works Every Time
The magic of one pot cooking
This recipe is built around simplicity. One pot meals are efficient, low-mess, and perfect for days when energy is limited. With this method, pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks, which gives every bite more depth than boiling it separately.
You don’t need special tools or ingredients. Just a skillet or Dutch oven, a few aromatics, fresh or canned tomatoes, cream, and your favorite pasta. As the pasta cooks in the stock, it releases starch into the sauce. This natural thickener helps the cream and tomatoes blend smoothly for a rich, cohesive texture.
What makes this recipe really shine is that it doesn’t feel like a shortcut. You still get layers of flavor from the onion, garlic, basil, and caramelized tomatoes. It’s fast, but never flat.
The balance between creamy and bright
Tomato and cream need to be balanced carefully. Too much cream and the sauce loses its tomato character. Too much tomato and it feels sharp or acidic. This recipe finds the sweet spot with just enough double cream to mellow the sauce while still letting the brightness of the tomatoes shine through.
The stock acts as a bridge, carrying the flavor while the pasta cooks. The garlic adds depth, and the basil finishes the dish with a fresh, herbal note. Even though it’s one pot, each ingredient gets a moment to shine.
And best of all, it reheats beautifully. That means you can double it and enjoy lunch the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the Oil: In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent.
- Cook Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to caramelise slightly.
- Add Stock and Pasta: Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- Stock Selection: Choose stock that complements your dish (chicken stock for a richer flavor, vegetable stock for a vegetarian option).
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use single cream (half-and-half) or a mixture of milk and butter instead of double cream.
Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 243mg | Potassium: 1042mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6420IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 3mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
What you’ll need
Here’s a quick rundown of ingredients:
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti (about ½ lb)
- 500 g chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 x 400 g canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock (about 2 cups)
- 150 ml double cream (¾ cup)
- ½ bunch fresh basil
How to make one pot creamy tomato pasta
Step 1: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or high-sided pan over medium heat. Let it warm for about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This builds the flavor base of your sauce.
Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook until they begin to caramelize slightly. This step gives the tomatoes a sweet, concentrated flavor and helps remove some of their acidity.
Step 4: Pour in the stock. Stir well to combine everything. Add the spaghetti, making sure it’s submerged as much as possible. You can break the noodles if needed to fit your pot.
Step 5: Cook the pasta uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It should take around 15 minutes to become al dente. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of water to keep the pasta cooking evenly.
Step 6: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, stir in the double cream and torn basil leaves. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the flavors can blend together fully.
Step 7: Serve hot with extra basil on top, if desired.
Add-ins and Variations
What to add to change things up
This easy one pot creamy tomato pasta is a blank canvas. You can easily modify it based on what’s in your fridge.
For protein, grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp all work well. Add cooked meat during the last few minutes just to warm it through. Crumbled bacon or pancetta also add saltiness and depth.
For vegetables, stir in spinach or kale during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. These wilt quickly and blend well with the tomato-cream base. Roasted bell peppers or zucchini can also be stirred in for texture and color.
For cheese lovers, a handful of grated parmesan or mozzarella added at the end gives the sauce a richer finish. Goat cheese offers a tangy twist and melts beautifully into the warm sauce.
To add a kick, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne while sautéing the garlic and onion.
Swaps and dietary tweaks
No spaghetti? No problem. This recipe works with linguine, fusilli, or even short pastas like penne or rotini. Just watch the cooking time and stir often so nothing sticks.
If you’re out of double cream, use a mix of whole milk and a teaspoon of butter for a lighter texture. Just avoid low-fat alternatives if possible, as they may curdle with the tomatoes.
To make it fully plant-based, use vegetable stock and a dairy-free cream alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk. The result will be slightly different, but still flavorful.
This dish invites creativity. You can keep it basic or make it your own every time.
Serving Tips, Storage, and FAQs
Serving and presentation tips
This pasta is best served right out of the pot. The sauce will be warm, silky, and perfect for coating the pasta.
If you want to elevate it for guests, top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a few small basil leaves. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Want a wine pairing? A crisp white like sauvignon blanc works beautifully with the creamy tomato and basil notes.
Storing and reheating
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to a sealed container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of stock or water and warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and warmed through.
Avoid microwaving in large batches as the pasta can dry out. Smaller portions work better for even reheating.
This pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the cream, but it’s ideal for next-day lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, one 400 g can of chopped tomatoes works perfectly. It saves time and gives a consistent texture in the sauce.
Will the cream curdle with the tomatoes?
Not with double cream. Its higher fat content helps prevent curdling, especially when you add it at the end of cooking over gentle heat. Avoid lower fat alternatives, which are more likely to split.
What kind of basil should I use?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor and aroma. Tear the leaves by hand and add them just before serving to keep their color and fragrance.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The sauce stays rich and satisfying without any meat.
Conclusion
Easy one pot creamy tomato pasta proves that simple cooking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. From one skillet, you get a creamy, tangy tomato sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti and fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. It’s a weeknight lifesaver, a cozy dinner option, and a great base for any flavor twist you like. Keep it classic or dress it up with protein and veggies. Either way, you’re only one pot and 30 minutes away from a seriously satisfying meal.