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To make this creamy delight, gather these fresh ingredients: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 2 tablespoons olive oil You will need a large pot for this recipe. A wooden spoon works well for stirring. Measuring cups and spoons make it easy to get the right amounts of each ingredient. A sharp knife is key for chopping onion and garlic. A cutting board helps keep your workspace clean. Lastly, using a ladle can help serve the pasta smoothly. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed steps provided. Start with a large pot. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add one small onion, finely chopped. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns clear. Next, add four cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. You want to smell that garlic! Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Add two cups of vegetable broth and one cup of heavy cream. Stir it well until everything mixes nicely. Now it's time for the pasta. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mix to a boil. After it bubbles, lower the heat to simmer. Cook it for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to be firm but not hard. Once the pasta is done, take the pot off the heat. Stir in one cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped. Also, add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust the salt or pepper as needed. Serve right away, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a nice touch. For a detailed list of ingredients, check the Full Recipe. To make your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta even better, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also add fresh parsley or thyme for more depth. - Add more garlic: Extra garlic can make the dish sing. Try using six cloves instead of four. - Incorporate wine: A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce. Add it after sautéing the onion and garlic. - Mix in cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to watch for when making this dish: - Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente for the best texture. - Not stirring enough: Stir the pasta often to prevent it from sticking to the pot. - Skipping salt and pepper: Seasoning is key. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. - Using low-quality tomatoes: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes. They greatly affect the sauce’s flavor. When serving your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, consider these ideas: - Garnish with fresh basil: Add some whole basil leaves on top for color and flavor. - Sprinkle extra cheese: A little extra Parmesan on top makes it look fancy. - Serve with crusty bread: Fresh bread pairs well. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Add a side salad: A simple green salad can balance the richness of the pasta. These tips can help you create a delicious meal. For the full recipe, check the previous section. {{image_2}} This dish is already vegetarian. You can make it even heartier. Add more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These will boost flavor and nutrients. You can also mix in mushrooms for a meaty texture. Just sauté them with the onions. If you want to add protein, there are many choices. Grilled chicken is great for extra flavor. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with the sauce. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. These options keep it creamy. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste. You can also find dairy-free cheese at many stores. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. Explore the full recipe for more tips on making this dish your own! After you enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Before storing, let the pasta cool to room temperature. This helps prevent sogginess. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish stays good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight or use the microwave. When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheating is simple. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy. Heat on low and stir often until hot. For the microwave, cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal just like the first time! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Short pasta like fusilli or shells work well. Longer pasta like spaghetti can also be used, but the cooking time may vary. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to keep your pasta al dente. Always check the package instructions for the best results. If you want a lighter option, use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. For a thicker sauce, mix milk with cornstarch. This helps to mimic the creaminess without the heaviness of heavy cream. Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. When you reheat, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta creamy. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it for up to three months. Just remember that the texture may change a bit after freezing. Enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta again! For the Full Recipe, refer back to the top of the article. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations like vegetarian options and how to store your dish safely. Use these insights to create a meal that impresses. Cooking can be simple and rewarding. Enjoy your time in the kitchen as you try these ideas!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Savor the flavors of Italy with this delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, comforting dish using simple ingredients like penne pasta, fresh basil, and rich tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe combines everything in one pot for quick cleanup. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

      Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.

        Add the penne pasta, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

          Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

            Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

              Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

                Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4