Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ideal weeknight dish for those who crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy families or a cozy date night, this recipe impressively combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a rich cream sauce in just one pot. The standout feature of this dish is its simplicity; it’s not only quick to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of double cream creates a rich, comforting sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and appealing texture, this pasta is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience as smooth as possible, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some items you’ll need for preparing this delicious pasta dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A high-sided skillet is crucial for cooking the pasta evenly while allowing space for the sauce to develop.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring you keep your ingredients organized.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife speeds up prep time when chopping onions and garlic.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (chopped or 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock (use stock cube for convenience)
- 150 ml double cream
- ½ bunch fresh basil
How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until it shimmers.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent—about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Cook them until they start to caramelize slightly, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes off heat to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta!
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta stands out as a simple yet flavorful meal that fits any occasion with ease. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this recipe will surely be a hit!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Serving Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple and allows you to get creative. You can enhance the dish with various toppings or sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Fresh Basil Garnish
- Adding fresh basil leaves on top not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of the pasta.
Crusty Bread
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce, making every bite enjoyable.
Chili Flakes
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of chili flakes can elevate the dish with some spice.
Side Salad
- A crisp side salad with mixed greens can add freshness and texture, making for a well-rounded meal.
How to Perfect Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To achieve the best results with your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs make a significant difference in flavor compared to canned options.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks; al dente is key for perfect texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference for seasoning.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a couple of minutes after adding cream lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Protein: For extra nutrition, consider stirring in cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
-
Garlic Bread
Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the creamy sauce, providing delicious crunch and flavor. -
Caprese Salad
This classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast. -
Roasted Vegetables
A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the pasta. -
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the pasta’s flavors. -
Grilled Asparagus
Lightly grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance and earthy flavors that enhance any meal. -
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates an inviting appetizer option before your main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the sautéing step: This is crucial for developing flavors. Always sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Overcooking the pasta: Monitor your pasta closely while cooking. Aim for al dente so it remains firm and absorbs the sauce well.
- Not using enough liquid: Ensure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the stock. Insufficient liquid can lead to dry pasta.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil elevates the dish’s flavor. Always add it at the end to keep its aroma and taste vibrant.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes make a significant difference. Opt for ripe tomatoes or premium canned options for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta so simple?
This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering great taste.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh are not available. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How can I customize Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or protein such as chicken or shrimp for added nutrition and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While spaghetti is used here, any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine can work well.
Final Thoughts
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding different vegetables or proteins. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite weeknight meal!
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience comfort food at its finest with this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner date, this dish brings together vibrant tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce—all cooked in one pot!
Ingredients
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 150 ml double cream
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a high-sided skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until slightly caramelized (around 5 minutes).
- Pour in the stock and add spaghetti, ensuring it's submerged; stir well.
- Cook for about 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in double cream and fresh basil; let sit off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like extra basil or grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
