Are you ready to impress your family with a simple, tasty dish? One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delightful meal full of flavor. You can make this dish quickly, and it uses just one pot! Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, this recipe will be your go-to for dinner. Let’s dive in and turn pasta into magic with creamy sauce and fresh basil!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Measurement Guidelines
When measuring the ingredients, keep these tips in mind:
– Use a dry measuring cup for the pasta and cheese.
– Use a liquid measuring cup for the heavy cream and broth.
– Chopping the onion finely helps it cook faster and mix well.
– Always pack the fresh basil leaves loosely in the cup to measure.
Optional Ingredients
You might want to add some ingredients for extra flavor:
– A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
– A splash of lemon juice for brightness.
– Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
– Spinach or other greens for added nutrition.
Feel free to mix and match these options to make the dish your own!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Next, chop the onion and mince the garlic. This will help the flavors blend well later on.
Cooking Instructions
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Now, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute. You want it to smell good but not burn.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Mix in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. When it starts bubbling, add the penne pasta. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat. Let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Once the pasta is al dente, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped basil and cheese if you’re using it.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Allow the pasta to rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the sauce get thicker.
Taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning if you want more salt or pepper.
Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls. Add a few extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
How to perfect your creamy pasta sauce
To make the best creamy pasta sauce, use fresh ingredients. Start with good olive oil for a rich flavor. Heat it until it shimmers, then add chopped onion. Cook it until it turns soft and clear. Next, garlic adds depth. Cook it only until it smells great. This step sets the stage for your sauce.
When you add crushed tomatoes, make sure they are high quality. They bring acidity and sweetness. Then, pour in the heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for flavor. Always taste as you go to adjust the seasoning.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is cooking pasta too long. This can make it mushy. Always check the cooking time on the package. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. If you do not, it may clump together.
Another mistake is not allowing the sauce to thicken. Let the dish rest covered after cooking. This helps the sauce become creamy and stick to the pasta. Lastly, avoid skipping the fresh basil. It adds a bright taste that makes the dish shine.
Garnishing tips for presentation
Presentation is key for any dish. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for flavor and visual appeal. Fresh basil leaves can add a pop of color. Place them on top just before serving. This will impress your guests and make the dish feel special.
Variations
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
To make this dish vegan, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Protein Add-Ins (e.g., Chicken, Shrimp)
If you want to add protein, chicken and shrimp work great. For chicken, use diced breast pieces. Sauté them in the pot before adding onions. For shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. They cook fast and stay tender. Both options make the dish more filling.
Different Pasta Shapes to Use
While penne is perfect, you can use other pasta shapes too. Fusilli or farfalle are fun and hold sauce well. Spaghetti or linguine works too, but they may need extra stirring. Choose a shape you like, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Each shape brings a new texture to your creamy tomato basil pasta.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
After you make this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, you can store leftovers in the fridge. Let the pasta cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to a container with a tight lid. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it, just check the smell and look for any signs of spoilage.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to keep the pasta longer, freezing is a great option. First, make sure the pasta is cool. Then, divide it into meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to store it. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. The pasta can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Guidelines
Reheating your pasta is simple. If you stored it in the fridge, microwave it in short bursts. Stir it every minute to heat evenly. If you froze it, thaw it first in the fridge. Then, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or cream to help the sauce stay creamy. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your pasta just like when it was fresh!
FAQs
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. You can find them in most grocery stores. Cook the pasta as you would regular penne. The other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check labels on canned tomatoes and broth.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. For best results, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. First, peel and chop them into small pieces. You can roast them for extra flavor. Then, add them to the pot when you usually add the canned tomatoes. You may need to adjust cooking times.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To keep the pasta creamy, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating. This will help restore the sauce’s texture. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers.
In this post, we covered how to create a tasty creamy pasta sauce. You learned about the key ingredients and their measurements. I shared steps for prep and cooking, along with serving tips. We discussed common mistakes and ways to make the dish shine. You also found out how to customize it with proteins and vegan options. Finally, we talked about storage and answered common questions. With these tips, you can make a creamy pasta dish that wows everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
