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One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A quick and comforting one pot pasta made with tomatoes, cream, and fresh basil. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200-250 g pasta penne, spaghetti, or fusilli
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3-4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 small onion optional, finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1-2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 to 1 cup cooking cream
  • 2-2.5 cups water or vegetable stock
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chili flakes optional
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • Reserved pasta water as needed

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour in water or stock and add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.
  4. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in cooking cream. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  6. Turn off heat and fold in fresh basil leaves. Mix well and let it rest for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy creamy, silky pasta straight from the pot.

Notes

  • Add more pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
  • For vegan version, replace cream with cashew cream or plant-based cream.
  • Best served immediately for the creamiest texture.
  • Add protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a fuller meal.