Description
This creamy one-pot pasta dinner is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining spaghetti or linguine with diced tomatoes, cream, fresh basil, and Parmesan, all simmered together in one pot, it delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a lusciously creamy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Liquid Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Add Pasta: Break the pasta in half and add it to the pot. Gently push the pasta into the liquid so it is mostly submerged, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Basil and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer, swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- This recipe works with either vegetable or chicken broth.
- Stir the pasta often for a smooth, creamy sauce and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg