One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of double cream, this one-pot wonder delivers a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti. The best part? Minimal cleanup, as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce. It’s vibrant, simple, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

• One-Pot Simplicity: Pasta and sauce cook together—no extra pans!
• Fresh & Creamy: Ripe tomatoes and double cream create a beautiful, balanced sauce.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry staples.
• Fast: Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite pasta shapes or protein additions.

Ingredients

• 250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
• 500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock (use a stock cube if needed)
• 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
• ½ bunch fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a medium, high-sided skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.

Sauté Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan.
Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft, translucent, and fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.

Cook the Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing them to soften and begin to caramelize slightly, releasing their juices and intensifying the flavor.

Add Stock and Pasta

Pour in the 500 ml stock (chicken or vegetable).
Add the uncooked spaghetti, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. You may need to press it down gently with a spoon. Stir well.

Cook the Pasta

Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced into a sauce.

Add the Cream and Basil

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the 150 ml double cream.
Add the chopped fresh basil and mix gently to combine.
Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve

Serve the creamy tomato pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Tomato Prep: For a smoother sauce, peel tomatoes by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water and peel.
• Pasta Flexibility: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work well if spaghetti isn’t your favorite.
• Cream Swap: Replace double cream with single cream or a mix of milk and butter for a lighter option.
• Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a fuller meal.
• Extra Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini pair wonderfully with this base.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
• Bread: Serve with garlic bread, focaccia, or crusty sourdough for dipping.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of Pinot Grigio or light-bodied red wine like Chianti complements this dish well.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the cream content which may split upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use one 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes as a substitute. Adjust simmer time as needed.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes—use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative like oat or coconut cream, and skip any cheese toppings.

What type of cream should I use?
Double cream gives the richest texture. You can also use single cream or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.

How do I know the pasta is al dente?
Taste a strand 1–2 minutes before the box suggests—it should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is your answer to a fast, foolproof weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, tangy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking solo, this one-pot pasta will quickly become a weeknight favorite—and a reliable go-to in your meal rotation.

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