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One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

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.

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Prep 10 min
Cook 20 min
Total 30 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Italian

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Total30 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineItalian
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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

Instructions

  1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the pot and push down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. 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.
  7. Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  8. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  10. Serve immediately garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

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.

Pan Or Pot Required

For the perfect One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. These pans offer ample surface area and depth to sauté onions and garlic, simmer pasta in the tomato broth, and finish the creamy basil sauce—all in one pot. This method delivers evenly cooked pasta infused with fresh tomato and basil flavors with minimal cleanup, matching our onepot, easy, and quick cooking philosophy.

Recommended cookware features:

  • Depth: At least 2.5 to 3-quart capacity to comfortably stir pasta and liquids without spills.
  • Material: Heavy-bottomed stainless steel or enameled cast iron ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking.
  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid traps steam essential for cooking pasta to tender perfection.

Using one pot simplifies prep, cooking, and cleanup—ideal for weeknight dinners, family-friendly meals, and effortless mealprep.

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. This size accommodates 12 ounces of pasta, the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cream sauce, allowing space for stirring and simmering without overflow.

Using cookware that's too small might cause spills and uneven pasta cooking, while overly large pans could cause excessive liquid evaporation, affecting sauce consistency. Choose pans with high sides (minimum 3 inches) to contain liquids and splatters, essential for successful one-pot pasta.

A skillet at least 12 inches in diameter or a 4-5 quart Dutch oven provides the best balance for quick, easy, and family-friendly one-pot meals.

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. If unavailable, consider suitable alternatives that align with the recipe's easy, one-pot style:

  • Large, deep sauté pan or heavy-bottomed saucepan: Effective for combining pasta and sauce; ensure it has a tight lid to trap moisture during simmering.
  • Enamel-coated cast iron pot: Great for heat retention and even cooking, similar to Dutch ovens.
  • Deep nonstick frying pan with tall sides: Can work with careful heat control to avoid burning.

Avoid: shallow pans without lids which prevent proper liquid absorption and pasta cooking. Slow cookers or Instant Pots may alter texture and cook times and are better suited for slow cooker or pressure cooker recipe categories.

Prioritize cookware that evenly distributes heat, has sufficient depth to immerse pasta, and includes a lid. This ensures your meal is perfectly cooked with minimal cleanup, in line with PanPotPlates' onepot, easy, and family-friendly cooking standards.

Leftovers Quality

This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta reheats exceptionally well, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day quick dinners. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.

To restore the creaminess of the tomato basil sauce after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or vegetable broth before gently reheating. Reheat over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts with stirring in between to avoid drying or separating the sauce.

This pasta can also be frozen for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above, adding liquid if needed to rejuvenate the sauce.

Follow these tips to keep your one-pot pasta tasting fresh and delicious, perfectly supporting busy family meals and convenient mealprep.

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