Print

Easy Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

easy creamy one-pot tomato basil pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish with creamy tomato sauce and fresh basil, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Mince 3 garlic cloves, finely chop 1 small onion, and roughly chop 1 cup fresh basil. Soften 4 ounces cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature or microwaving for 10 seconds.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 3 cups broth. Stir to combine, then add 12 ounces dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged evenly.
  5. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
  6. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if pasta looks dry before tender.
  7. Once pasta is cooked and sauce is creamy, add softened cream cheese in chunks. Stir vigorously until sauce is smooth and velvety.
  8. Toss in chopped basil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently and remove from heat.
  9. Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Use penne or rigatoni for best sauce adherence. Fresh basil added at the end keeps flavor vibrant. Cream cheese should be softened for smooth sauce. For vegan version, substitute cream cheese and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy tomato basil pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, creamy pasta, tomato basil sauce

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-for-quick-dinners/