Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta (One-Pot Dinner in 25 Minutes!)

This creamy tomato pasta is your new weeknight go-to—simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cream, and basil, it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for when you need a quick and satisfying dinner without the fuss!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.

Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like garlic, onion, pasta, and tomatoes.
Creamy & Comforting – Rich, velvety sauce thanks to double cream.
Versatile – Easily customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.

One Pot – Less cleanup and more flavor.

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

Spaghetti – Or any pasta you like.

Fresh Tomatoes – For vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Olive Oil – Sauté base for your aromatics.
Garlic & Onion – For savory depth.

Chicken or Vegetable Stock – Adds richness and flavor.
Double Cream – For a luxurious, creamy texture.
Fresh Basil – For that fresh, herbaceous lift at the end.

📌 Tip: You can also use canned chopped tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t on hand.

👩‍🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Heat the Olive Oil
In a deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.

2. Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes
Stir in your chopped tomatoes. Let them cook down until they begin to caramelize slightly—this deepens the flavor.

4. Pour in Stock & Add Pasta
Add stock and uncooked spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the pasta is just tender.

5. Stir in Cream & Basil
Once the pasta is cooked, gently fold in the double cream and chopped fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with more basil or parmesan cheese if desired.

🔁 Variations & Add-ins

Pasta – Swap spaghetti for penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
Tomatoes – Canned or sun-dried tomatoes work too.

Cream Alternatives – Use single cream or a dairy-free option like coconut cream.
Add Veggies – Try spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Add Protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a plant-based boost.

🧠 Expert Tips

Blanch Tomatoes for a smooth sauce: Boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to peel easily.
Caramelize the Onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.
Reserve Pasta Water: Use it to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.

Use Room-Temp Cream: Adding cold cream may cause separation.

🥡 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

🍽 What to Serve With It

Steamed Greens or Salad – A light side balances the richness.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls – Perfect for soaking up that dreamy sauce.

Grilled Protein – Chicken or shrimp pair beautifully.

📝 Recipe Summary

Creamy One-Pot Tomato Pasta
By Deborah Rainford

A comforting, creamy tomato pasta made in just 25 minutes with fresh ingredients and big flavor. Ideal for weeknights!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

250g (½ lb) spaghetti

500g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400g canned tomatoes)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 onion, finely chopped
500ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
150ml (¾ cup) double cream

½ bunch fresh basil

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add tomatoes and cook until they begin to caramelize.
Pour in stock and add spaghetti. Cook for 15 minutes or until al dente.

Stir in cream and basil. Let it sit a couple of minutes before serving.