Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate dish for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet quick to prepare. With fresh ingredients and rich flavors, this pasta not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a touch of Italian cuisine to your table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion while being incredibly easy to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
- Minimal Cleanup: As a one-pot recipe, there’s less mess and fewer dishes to wash afterward.
- Creamy Deliciousness: The combination of fresh tomatoes and double cream creates a rich, satisfying sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for added nutrition and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy texture and delightful taste of this pasta.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools that will make your preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium high-sided skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium high-sided skillet: This allows for even cooking and prevents splatters when stirring.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (chopped or use 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes)
For the Sauce
- 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 2 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently until soft, fragrant, and translucent.
Step 3: Cook Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they start to caramelise slightly.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock and add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Gently stir in the double cream and fresh basil. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Basil
- Fresh basil adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor. Just sprinkle some leaves on top before serving.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve warm, crusty bread alongside the pasta. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Add Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. It complements the creaminess beautifully.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Consider using mixed greens or arugula.
Top with Chili Flakes
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add chili flakes on top. This gives an extra layer of flavor and spice.
How to Perfect Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Perfecting your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple with these tips. They will ensure that your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the spaghetti to avoid mushiness; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a well-seasoned dish.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after cooking for optimal taste.
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Complement your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with these delicious side dishes. They provide variety and balance to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly, offering a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy pasta.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, making it an ideal companion for this rich dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrients while balancing the flavors of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil creates a refreshing side that echoes the main dish.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provides variety and makes for an engaging starter.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch without overpowering the main course.
- Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a delightful burst of flavor before your pasta.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles alongside your creamy pasta as a fun twist on traditional noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will help ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Using the wrong pasta: Different pasta types cook at different rates. Stick to spaghetti or similar shapes for even cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking it too long can lead to mushy noodles. Aim for al dente, which will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning the dish properly can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using old or low-quality tomatoes and herbs can affect taste. Always opt for fresh produce when possible.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dish to sit after cooking helps meld flavors. Don’t skip this step for a more flavorful meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the pasta to cool before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion out for convenience and defrost only what you need.
Reheating Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot, about 2-3 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta:
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes are great substitutes and save prep time. Just use a 400 g tin for best results.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I add for extra protein?
Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost while keeping it creamy.
How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add spices like red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for more depth. You can also mix in veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only quick and comforting but also versatile enough to suit any palate. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Try it today and enjoy a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction!
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich double cream, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats spaghetti. Not only is it quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—but it’s also a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With its versatile nature, you can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
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
- ½ bunch fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until slightly caramelized.
- Pour in stock and add spaghetti, ensuring it's fully submerged.
- Cook for about 15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Gently stir in double cream and fresh basil; let sit for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
