Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe with you because it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together without any fuss. Whether you’re rushing home after work or craving a comforting dinner on the weekend, this recipe hits the spot every time. The beauty of it is how simple the prep is, yet the flavors come alive with fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and that luscious creamy sauce that wraps around every strand of pasta.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how much flavor developed with just one pot — no extra pans, no messy cleanup. It’s a real game-changer if you’re short on time or just hate doing dishes like me! Plus, using fresh tomatoes or canned works, so you can adapt it to what you have on hand. I know you’re going to find this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe quickly becoming a favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe plays an important role, coming together in harmony to build that comforting, creamy sauce you’re going to adore. For the best results, fresh tomatoes are fantastic when in season, but canned tomatoes will work wonderfully too.

• Uncooked spaghetti: I like using spaghetti for that classic feel, but feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape.
• Fresh tomatoes: Fresh adds the best brightness, but canned tomatoes are a super convenient fallback, especially in winter.
• Olive oil: Quality olive oil boosts flavor and helps soften your aromatics without overpowering the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic builds that savory base—don’t skip it!
• Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth, it melts into the sauce as it cooks.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: Stock is the secret to cooking the pasta right in the sauce, adding richness.
• Double cream: This makes the dish luxuriously creamy; if you want lighter, single cream or a milk and butter combo works.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant herbal note that’s classic with tomato and cream—don’t forget it!

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize it. I encourage you to experiment with add-ins and substitutions to make it your own.

• Make it vegetarian: Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken, and it’s just as tasty.
• Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp if you want a heartier meal—I’ve done this with leftover grilled chicken and it was fantastic.
• Extra veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers stirred in near the end add great texture and nutrition.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep that creamy consistency without dairy.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Gently Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a medium, high-sided skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Then add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently, stirring often, until they turn soft and fragrant—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step lays down a delicious flavor base that makes the whole dish sing.

Step 2: Cook Down the Tomatoes

Next, stir in your fresh or canned tomatoes, and let them cook until they start to caramelize slightly and the sauce thickens—this usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Here’s a tip: stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and encourages those natural sugars in the tomatoes to develop beautifully.

Step 3: Add Stock and Pasta, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add the uncooked spaghetti, pushing it down gently so it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom, and watch the liquid reduce into a creamy sauce as the pasta cooks to al dente perfection.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Basil

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil leaves. Let everything sit off the heat for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. This step is the magic touch that turns a simple pasta meal into something creamy and comforting.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Serve your creamy tomato pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil or a little grated Parmesan if you like. This makes for a wonderfully satisfying meal straight from the pan—no need for extra pots or pans.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this pasta with fresh basil leaves because they add such a fresh, aromatic pop that brightens the dish. Sometimes I sprinkle grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for that extra bit of richness. If I’m feeling fancy, a pinch of red chili flakes brings a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the creamy pasta nicely. Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta is also my go-to for mopping up every last drop of sauce. When in season, roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus make great sides too.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this in individual rustic bowls with a small basil sprig on top and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten flavors just before eating. You can also plate it alongside a colorful topping of sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and texture. Little touches like these turn a simple pasta into an elegant meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, where it stays good for up to 3 days. You’ll notice the sauce thickens as it chills, but that’s easy to fix when reheating with a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.

Freezing

While I usually recommend enjoying this fresh, you can freeze leftovers by portioning into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge overnight to keep the texture of the pasta intact.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this creamy pasta is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of stock or water to bring back that silky texture. Microwave works too, but be sure to stir it halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I always rely on when I want something comforting but fuss-free. I love that you can tweak it easily, that it doesn’t take forever, and that it pleases everyone at the table. Give it a try and you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again—as I have!

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