Can I make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta ahead?

Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.

What cookware works best?

Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Name: One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; Optional garnish:; extra basil leaves and grated Parmesan

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 8, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

Italian 30 mins onepoteasyquickvegetarianfamily-friendlyweeknightflavorfulcomfortfoodmealprep

Enjoy this easy, creamy, and flavorful one-pot tomato basil pasta recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners. This vegetarian, family-friendly meal features tender pasta cooked in a luscious tomato basil cream sauce with minimal cleanup.

Prep 10 min

Cook 20 min

Total 30 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Servings 4

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Optional garnish
extra basil leaves and grated Parmesan

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Instructions

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
Add the dry pasta to the pot and push down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

For the perfect One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta , use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven.

Cookware Size Guidance

This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta serves 4 and requires a large deep skillet or a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This recipe is optimized for a One-Pot Pasta approach using a deep skillet or Dutch oven for consistent heat and ample space to cook the pasta and sauce together.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

Customize this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability with these substitutions:

Pasta: Swap penne or rigatoni for gluten-free pasta to make the recipe glutenfree. For a low-carb option, try spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Heavy Cream: Replace with canned coconut milk or cashew cream to make the dish vegan and dairyfree while maintaining creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Use vegan Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast to keep cheesy flavor in a vegan version.
Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth or a mild mushroom broth works great and can deepen the flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Substitute avocado oil or mild vegetable oil for a lighter or neutral fat option.

These swaps keep the recipe quick, easy, and family-friendly while accommodating diverse lifestyles and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Cool One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions