Welcome to Easy Recipes! I’m Chef Kristina, and if you’re anything like me, you love hearty, flavor-packed dinners that don’t leave you stuck at the stove washing a million dishes. Enter one-pot pasta—my go-to weeknight savior. This creamy tomato basil version comes together in just 30 minutes, and it’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything goes into one pot—no mixing bowls, no extra pans.
- Speedy Prep & Cook: From chopping to plating in 30 minutes flat.
- Flavor Explosion: Fresh basil, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese create a restaurant-quality sauce.
- Versatile Base: Easily customize with proteins, veggies, or spice levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Adults and kids alike will come back for seconds!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a rushed professional, or simply craving something delicious without the fuss, this one-pot pasta recipe is here to save your dinner.
Easy Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
Course: TextCuisine: DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalA rich and creamy one-pot pasta bursting with fresh tomato and basil flavors, ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Sauté: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Combine Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Add Pasta: Break the spaghetti in half and place it in the pot, pressing it gently into the liquid so it’s mostly submerged.
- Cook Pasta: Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is silky and well combined.
- Add Fresh Herbs & Season: Remove from heat, fold in chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Vegan Option: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, let it simmer a minute longer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- Aromatics & Fat: 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
- Tomato Base: 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
- Liquid: 3 cups vegetable broth
- Creaminess: ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Herbs & Seasoning: ¼ cup fresh basil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
Pro Tip: If you have pantry staples like sun-dried tomatoes, toss in a few for extra depth of flavor!
Step-by-Step Directions
Below is the recipe formatted for your Recipe Cards plugin (see top of this article). Follow these simple steps to a perfect one-pot pasta every time:
- Heat the Oil & Garlic
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Add Tomatoes & Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all) and 3 cups vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then stir to combine. - Incorporate the Pasta
Break the spaghetti strands in half and nestle them into the liquid, pressing gently so they’re mostly submerged. This helps them cook evenly. - Boil & Stir
Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Stir every 2–3 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta reaches al dente and sauce has thickened. - Creamy Finish
Lower the heat, then stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce is silky. - Herbs & Seasoning
Remove from heat. Fold in chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to your taste. - Serve
Dish out into bowls, garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Pasta
- Stir Gently but Often: Prevents pasta from clumping and ensures even cooking.
- Liquid Ratio: If you prefer a saucier texture, add ¼ cup more broth. For a thicker sauce, let it reduce 1–2 extra minutes.
- Cheese Choices: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
- Fresh vs. Dried Basil: Fresh basil gives the best flavor burst; if using dried, add it with the Italian seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté just until fragrant. Burnt garlic can introduce bitterness.
Variations & Add-Ins
Make this one-pot pasta your own:
- Chicken & Spinach: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken and 2 cups baby spinach at the end.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the garlic.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Seafood Delight: Fold in ½ lb cooked shrimp in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Vegan Twist: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Easy Homemade Garlic Bread is a natural sidekick.
- Simple Salad: A crisp Classic Caesar Salad balances the richness.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti.
- Kid-Friendly: Sprinkle with extra cheese and serve with carrot sticks or apple slices.
For more easy dinner ideas, explore our Classic Homemade Pizza and Quick Chicken Stir-Fry.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Any gluten-free spaghetti or linguine works—just check cooking times on the package and adjust as needed.
Q2: How do I make this vegan?
Substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese blend. Increase seasoning for extra flavor.
Q3: My pasta stuck together—what did I do wrong?
Stirring occasionally during cooking is key. Use a wooden spoon to gently separate strands.
Q4: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but use a larger pot and increase liquids proportionally. You may need an extra minute or two of cooking.
Q5: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk or half-and-half can work—just simmer a bit longer to let the sauce thicken.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This one-pot pasta is one of my favorite weeknight staples—simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Whether you stick to the classic tomato-basil combo or jazz it up with add-ins, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Ready to try it?
- Save this recipe.
- Head to your kitchen with confidence.
- Share a photo of your creation on social media and tag us @EasyRecipes for a chance to be featured!
- Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite variation.
Happy cooking,
Chef Kristina
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