Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cream in a delightful dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, this recipe is simple yet indulgent. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy all the flavors without the hassle of multiple pots and pans—easy cleanup awaits!
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes or canned ones based on your availability; either way, it’s delicious.
- Creamy Goodness: The addition of double cream elevates the pasta, making it rich and satisfying.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Having the right equipment will enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A high-sided skillet allows for easy stirring and prevents splatters while cooking.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping tomatoes and onions fast and effortless.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
- 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)
- 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.
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:
Cook until they start to caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Stock and Pasta
Pour in the stock:
Add the spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
Let it cook:
Allow approximately 15 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
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 beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot:
Garnish with additional basil if desired for an aromatic touch.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy tomato pasta!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is delightful on its own, but there are many ways to elevate your meal. Whether you want to add some crunch or a refreshing side, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Basil
- Use fresh basil leaves as a garnish for an aromatic touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Add Grated Parmesan Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory flavor and enhances the creaminess of the dish.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Serve warm garlic bread alongside your pasta for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Include a Side Salad
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
- A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the pasta can add sweetness and acidity, balancing the flavors wonderfully.
Top with Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- For those who enjoy heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top to give your dish a spicy kick.
How to Perfect Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To make your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that every bite is delicious and satisfying.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a brighter flavor and vibrant color in your dish.
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Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of double cream. This will still give you richness without being overly heavy.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
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Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente. It will continue cooking slightly after you mix in the cream.
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Complementing your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
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Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables seasoned with garlic make for a nutritious and delicious pairing.
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and richness, making it an excellent addition to your dinner table.
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Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh appetizer that echoes the pasta’s flavors.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs provide an earthy counterpart to the creamy pasta.
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Zucchini Fries: Baked or fried zucchini fries add crunch and are a fun way to include more vegetables in your meal.
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Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus brings brightness and complements the creaminess of the pasta well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Each type of pasta has a different cooking time. Check the package instructions and adjust accordingly.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes enhance flavor significantly. Opt for quality ingredients for a better dish.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can become bitter if burnt. Sauté it just until fragrant to keep the dish flavorful.
- Neglecting to taste as you go: Not tasting can lead to blandness. Adjust seasoning during cooking for a more balanced flavor.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting the dish sit after adding cream allows flavors to meld. Don’t rush this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as it may expand.
Reheating Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to maintain consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensuring your cream is dairy-free if desired.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, using a can of chopped tomatoes is a great alternative and saves prep time while still providing delicious flavor.
What can I add to make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta more filling?
Consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. You could also toss in vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
How do I store leftover Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only quick and comforting but also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy its creamy goodness!
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes with aromatic garlic and rich cream, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With just one pot required, cleanup is a breeze, making this the ideal recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. In just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can indulge in this creamy goodness that is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 250 g uncooked spaghetti
- 500 g fresh tomatoes (chopped) or 1 x 400 g tin 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 high-sided skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they caramelize slightly.
- Pour in stock and add spaghetti, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Cook for approximately 15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in double cream and fresh basil; let sit briefly to meld flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
