DINNERFRESHMEAL EST. 2026 // USA
Home / Recipes / One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Main Course

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Pasta cooked right in the sauce, so the starch does the thickening for you. One pot, no draining.

TOTAL TIME25 min
SERVES4
DIFFICULTYEasy

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 12 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
  • 1/4 cup torn basil, plus more to serve
  • Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes

Method

  1. Build the base

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then stir in the garlic for 1 minute more.

  2. Add tomatoes and pasta

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, stock, and pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

  3. Simmer

    Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

  4. Finish

    Stir in the cream, Parmesan, and torn basil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  5. Serve

    Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan and basil.

Stir every few minutes while it simmers — pasta cooked this way can catch on the bottom of the pot if left alone too long.


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