![To make One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, you need the following: - 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with their juice - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option) These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish that bursts with flavor. You can also customize it with extra herbs or spices. Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Or, toss in fresh spinach for added nutrition. You can use any pasta shape you like, but penne or fusilli hold the sauce well. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients to suit your taste! For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. 1. Sautéing onion and garlic In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. 2. Adding tomatoes and broth Now, add 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 ounces), including their juice, to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well to combine all the flavors. 3. Cooking pasta to al dente Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like penne or fusilli. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is soaked up. 1. Incorporating cream and seasoning Lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. 2. Mixing in fresh basil and cheese Remove the pot from the heat. Add 1 cup of fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like cheese, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends in. - Recommended presentation Serve the pasta in deep bowls. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely shine. - Perfect pairings with sides or beverages Pair this pasta with a crisp salad or crusty bread. A light red wine makes a great drink choice. Enjoy your creamy one pot tomato basil pasta! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To ensure your pasta cooks well, always check the package instructions. Each type of pasta has a different cook time. For this recipe, I prefer penne or fusilli. They hold sauce nicely and cook evenly. When you add the pasta to the pot, make sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. This helps create a creamy texture. For the perfect cream consistency, add the cream slowly. Stir it into the pot over low heat. This prevents it from curdling. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream works just as well. To boost the flavor, consider adding more herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add depth. You may also try a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you're looking for cheese options, consider nutritional yeast for a vegan choice. It gives a nice cheesy flavor without dairy. For a nutty taste, try using a vegan cheese. The best pot for this recipe is a large, heavy-bottom pot. This will help with even cooking and prevent burning. A Dutch oven is an excellent choice. Use a wooden spoon for stirring. It won’t scratch your pot and is sturdy. A measuring cup makes adding liquids easy. A sharp knife will help with chopping onions and herbs quickly. For the full recipe, refer to the main section. Enjoy cooking! {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegan by using coconut cream. It adds a nice texture and flavor. For a dairy-free option, leave out the cheese or use nutritional yeast instead. If you need gluten-free pasta, choose brown rice or chickpea pasta. Both work well and taste great. To add more color and nutrition, try seasonal vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers mix well. You can also toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. These additions make the dish heartier and more filling. If you like a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. This will spice things up nicely. For a tangy twist, incorporate a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Experiment with different sauces, too. Try pesto or Alfredo to create new flavors. Each change will bring something unique to your creamy tomato basil pasta. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for the next meal. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat only what you need to keep the rest fresh. You can freeze this pasta dish for later use. Use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. It’s best to freeze it without the cheese. This helps keep the texture nice. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess. In the fridge, this dish lasts for about three days. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta at its best! Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Use about 4-5 ripe tomatoes. Dice them small. Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. Make sure to add a little extra broth to keep it saucy. How can I make this recipe lighter? To lighten this dish, swap heavy cream for low-fat milk. You can also use half-and-half for creaminess without all the fat. Adding more veggies can help too, like spinach or zucchini. Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of broth or water. What type of pot should I use? Use a large pot with a thick bottom. This helps heat evenly. A Dutch oven works great for this recipe. It keeps the pasta from sticking and burning. How do I know when the pasta is done cooking? Check the pasta package for cooking time. Taste a piece to see if it’s al dente. It should be firm but not hard. If it’s too soft, you’ve cooked it too long. What to do if I over-season? If your dish is too salty, try adding more pasta or veggies. You can also add a splash of cream to mellow it out. Taste as you go next time to prevent this. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Cashew cream is another great choice. For a lighter version, try low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Is there a substitute for fresh basil? Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh isn’t available. Use about one-third of the amount. Other herbs like oregano or parsley also work well to add flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. This recipe for One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a great meal. Remember to customize it with herbs or veggies you enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or friends, this dish is a winner. Proper storage helps keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this meal, and don't be afraid to experiment with flavors. Your kitchen creations can be fun and delicious. Happy cooking!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5d4934d4-a79b-4fa0-b540-acd47de2bef3-250x250.webp)
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Dive into a deliciously easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that's perfect for any night of the week! With fresh ingredients and creamy goodness, this recipe combines pasta, veggies, and aromatic herbs in just one pot. It's quick to make and sure to impress! Discover the step-by-step guide and elevate your weeknight meals. Click to explore this delightful recipe and satisfy your pasta cravings today!