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Creamy One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

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A quick, cozy, and satisfying one-pot pasta recipe with creamy tomato basil sauce that’s perfect for easy comfort meals and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (about 10–12 leaves) or 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 28 ounces crushed tomatoes and 3 cups broth; stir to combine.
  4. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  5. Add 12 ounces dry pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking.
  6. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or water if too dry.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¾ cup grated Parmesan until cheese melts and sauce is silky, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Fold in ½ cup chopped fresh basil and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much after adding cream, loosen with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy tomato basil pasta, easy comfort food, quick pasta recipe, creamy pasta, tomato basil pasta

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/creamy-one-pot-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-easy-comfort-meal/