🍝 Best Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta (One-Pot & 30 Minutes)

Looking for a delicious, comforting, and quick pasta recipe perfect for weeknight dinners? This Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is your answer. Made in one pot with simple pantry ingredients, it’s loaded with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is done in just 30 minutes! Ideal for busy families, beginners, or anyone craving a cozy, budget-friendly dinner. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Rest Time 2 mins

Total Time 32 mins

Cooking Method: One-Pot Recipes, Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 8

Calories: 460kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil pasta made with fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, cream, and parmesan. One pot, 30 minutes, pure magic.

Ingredients

Main Pasta:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Extra parmesan
Cracked pepper

Instructions

1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and soft (about 2–3 minutes).
2
Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to enhance flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3
Add the vegetable broth and uncooked pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
4
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5
Pour in the cream and parmesan cheese. Stir gently until sauce is creamy and thick.
6
Add fresh basil, stir once more, and turn off the heat.
7
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil and parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 460kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 28mg10%
Sodium 550mg23%
Potassium 640mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 7g
Protein 12g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: easy pasta dinner, creamy tomato pasta, one-pot pasta, basil pasta, 30 minute meals, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinners