![This dish shines because of its fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) - Additional fresh basil leaves for garnishing Each ingredient plays a role. The penne pasta absorbs flavors. The garlic gives a warm touch. Diced tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Vegetable broth forms the base. Heavy cream brings richness. Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma. You can tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Spinach or kale for added greens - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Lemon zest for brightness Feel free to add or skip these as you like. The dish remains creamy and delicious no matter what. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are the must-haves: - A large pot for cooking - A wooden spoon for stirring - A chef’s knife for chopping - A cutting board for prep - Measuring cups for accuracy With these tools, you can whip up this pasta without a hitch. They help you work efficiently and enjoy the process. For the complete recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To start making One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) - Additional fresh basil leaves for garnishing Now, measure everything out. This keeps the cooking process smooth and fun. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to brown the garlic; it should smell sweet. 3. Next, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil. Stir gently to combine. 4. Increase the heat to bring it all to a gentle simmer. 5. Add the penne pasta to the pot. Cover it and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir now and then to keep the pasta from sticking. 6. Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes it creamy. When the pasta is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is creamy and delicious. Before serving, taste it. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the creamy pasta warm and top each bowl with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. To make your pasta creamy, start with the right cream. I like heavy cream, but coconut cream works too. It gives you a nice, rich taste. Adding it at the end makes the sauce silky. Make sure to stir it well into the pasta. This keeps it from clumping. Another trick is to let the pasta absorb some broth before adding cream. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta. For extra creaminess, stir in some grated cheese. Parmesan melts easily and adds flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. You want it al dente, or firm to the bite. If you cook it too long, it can turn mushy. Stirring occasionally helps, so the pasta cooks evenly. Another mistake is skipping salt. Always season your broth and cream. This brings out the flavors of the tomatoes and basil. Finally, don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs at the end. Chopped basil adds a bright note. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you want more texture, toss in some sautéed veggies. Spinach or bell peppers work well. They add color and nutrition too. For those who love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. It gives your dish a little kick without overpowering the flavors. Explore the [Full Recipe] for all the details! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free or vegan. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This adds a rich flavor. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy goodness. Want to add some protein? Try cooked chicken or shrimp. They both mix well with the pasta. You can also use chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option. Just add them in when you combine the cream. This adds texture and makes the meal more filling. Adding veggies boosts health and flavor. In spring, mix in fresh peas or asparagus. In summer, try diced zucchini or bell peppers. For fall, roasted butternut squash or spinach works great. In winter, add kale or broccoli. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps the veggies vibrant and adds a pop of color. After you enjoy your one-pot creamy tomato basil pasta, it's important to store any leftovers right. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it sealed tightly to prevent drying out. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat, stirring gently. You may also want to add a bit of cream to restore the sauce's creaminess. If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions above. Enjoy a quick meal whenever you need it! For the full recipe, check out the details above. I recommend using penne pasta. It holds sauce well, adding flavor to every bite. Other good options include rigatoni or fusilli. These shapes trap the sauce nicely. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious. Yes, you can! Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It gives a rich taste without dairy. You can also use a mix of vegetable broth and cashew cream for a lighter sauce. This will keep your pasta creamy and satisfying. To change servings, simply multiply the ingredients. For example, if you want to serve six, increase everything by 1.5 times. If you want fewer servings, cut the amounts in half. Just remember to keep the same cooking time, so your pasta cooks evenly. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta. In this article, you learned how to make creamy tomato basil pasta. We covered key ingredients, easy steps to cook, and ways to customize it. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. You also discovered variations like dairy-free options and protein add-ins. Lastly, we talked about storing leftovers to enjoy later. This dish is simple, fun, and packed with flavor. I hope you feel inspired to try it! Enjoy cooking!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5e9da98b-b501-41d2-ae05-1ef2ea4ad8b7-250x250.webp)
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Indulge in a quick and delicious meal with this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! This easy recipe combines penne pasta, fresh basil, and a rich creamy sauce all made in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, you'll love how simple and flavorful this dish is. Dive into the step-by-step instructions and make a delightful dinner tonight. Click to explore the full recipe and start cooking!