Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your dining table in no time. With fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream, this pasta meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion when you crave something delicious yet simple. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of fresh tomatoes and cream creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have at home, ensuring you can make it any time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy pasta dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium high-sided skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium high-sided skillet: Ideal for cooking the pasta evenly while allowing room for stirring without splatter.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for sautéing vegetables gently without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy and delicious.
For the Pasta
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (chopped) or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
For Cooking
- 500 ml chicken or vegetable stock (use stock cube for convenience)
For Creaminess
- 150 ml double cream
For Garnish
- 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:
1. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped tomatoes:
1. Cook them until they start to caramelize slightly—this enhances their flavor.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock:
1. Add the spaghetti to the skillet.
2. Ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let it cook:
1. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente consistency.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Gently stir in:
1. Add the double cream and fresh basil.
2. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow all flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot:
1. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
2. Enjoy your delicious Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Serving your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can elevate the meal and enhance its flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will make your dish even more enjoyable.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some parmesan cheese over the pasta for an extra layer of richness.
Pair with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Focaccia: A slice of focaccia can add a lovely texture and flavor contrast to your meal.
Adding Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Top your pasta with slices of grilled chicken for a satisfying protein boost.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp can complement the creamy sauce perfectly, adding a seafood twist.
How to Perfect Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To ensure your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on cooking time; al dente pasta has a better texture and holds sauce well.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems too thick, add a splash of stock or water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for unique flavors in your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to complement your dish.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness, perfect alongside creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy side that balances richness without overpowering flavors.
- Caprese Salad: The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil echoes the pasta’s ingredients while adding brightness.
- Garlic Butter Asparagus: Tender asparagus sautéed in garlic butter offers a gourmet touch that pairs beautifully with tomato pasta.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil brings a refreshing appetizer that complements your main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky, especially when making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong pasta: Not all pasta cooks the same way. Choose spaghetti or another long pasta that works well in one-pot dishes.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it just until fragrant to avoid ruining the dish.
- Ignoring the liquid: Make sure there’s enough stock for the pasta to absorb. If it’s too dry, the pasta won’t cook properly.
- Skipping the cream: The cream adds richness and flavor. Don’t omit it for a truly creamy experience.
- Not letting it sit: Allowing the dish to rest after mixing in the cream helps meld flavors together. Don’t rush this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta that may help you as you cook.
How can I make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta healthier?
You can substitute double cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream. Adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance nutrition too.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, using canned tomatoes is a great option! They provide convenience and still deliver a delicious flavor.
What other herbs can I add?
Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for different flavor profiles alongside basil.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly with its ingredients.
Can I customize Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Absolutely! Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or mix in your favorite veggies for added texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. The creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a personal touch!
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes with the richness of cream, all cooked in just one pot. In under 30 minutes, you can prepare a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave something delicious. The simplicity of this recipe means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it a go-to option for families and anyone looking to enjoy a hearty pasta dish without fuss. With the versatility to customize ingredients based on your pantry staples, this creamy tomato pasta becomes an easy favorite in no time.
Ingredients
- 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
- 150 ml double cream
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium high-sided skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to caramelize.
- Pour in the stock and add spaghetti, ensuring it's submerged.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in double cream and fresh basil; let sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
