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In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the allure of creamy tomato basil pasta. This delightful recipe brings together the rich, tangy essence of tomatoes with the freshness of basil, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate, making it a favorite for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even a cozy date night at home. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and convenience—everything cooks in a single pot, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pans and lengthy cleanup.

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Discover the joy of comfort food with this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe! Combining rich, tangy tomatoes with fresh basil in a smooth, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or cozy date nights. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe accommodates various dietary preferences and will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy straightforward cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli preferred for texture)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including the juices

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning for flavor depth

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan alternative)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Extra fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

    Combine Ingredients: Incorporate the diced tomatoes (with all their juices), vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the pot. Add the uncooked pasta at this stage. Stir everything together until evenly combined.

      Cook Pasta: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly off the heat.

        Make it Creamy: After the pasta reaches the desired doneness, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the chopped basil, mixing until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra creamy texture, feel free to add more heavy cream to your liking.

          Add Cheese: Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if making it vegan), stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes so it can thicken slightly.

            Serve: Spoon the creamy tomato basil pasta into serving bowls. Top each bowl with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal!

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6