![To make the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, you need these main ingredients: - 12 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These items come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The crushed tomatoes add a nice depth of flavor while the garlic brings a subtle aroma. You can customize this dish to fit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients to consider: - Fresh spinach or kale for extra greens - Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat - Sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor - Other types of pasta, like penne or spaghetti Feel free to mix and match! Each addition can bring a new twist to the dish. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to make a swap, here are some simple substitutions: - Use whole wheat pasta instead of fettuccine for a healthier option. - Substitute coconut cream with almond milk for a lighter sauce. - Swap fresh basil with dried basil if fresh isn’t available. These substitutions can keep the dish tasty while accommodating your pantry and dietary needs. Remember, the magic of cooking is in experimenting! To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, start with the right pot. A large pot works best. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté them for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not brown. Next, pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Now, it’s time for the pasta. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed. Once done, mix in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you like, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 more minutes to heat through. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Timing is key in cooking pasta. Make sure to watch the pot closely. If you boil it too long, the pasta may become mushy. Lowering the heat helps keep it tender. Use a timer to measure the 10-12 minutes for simmering. This way, you will know exactly when to check the pasta. The temperature should be medium while sautéing garlic. Too high can burn it. When you add the cream, keep the heat low. This keeps the sauce rich and creamy without curdling. Stirring helps mix the flavors well. It also prevents the pasta from sticking together. I recommend stirring every few minutes while it simmers. Simmering allows the pasta to soak up the sauce. This makes the dish flavorful and creamy. If you skip this step, the pasta may taste bland. So, don’t rush it! Enjoy the process and let the magic happen. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To get a super creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This adds richness. If you want a lighter option, try coconut cream. It gives a nice flavor too. Stir in the cream at the end. This keeps it smooth. Add it slowly and mix well. You can also add a bit of pasta water. This helps the sauce stick to the pasta. One big mistake is not stirring enough. If you don’t stir, the pasta can stick. Keep an eye on the pot while it cooks. Another mistake is adding too much salt too soon. Wait until the end to taste and salt. This way, you can avoid over-salting. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh basil. It adds a bright taste. Always fold it in just before serving. You can enhance this dish easily. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. This gives a nice kick. For a savory touch, sauté onions with the garlic. You can also mix in spinach or kale for extra greens. If you want a cheesy flavor, add more Parmesan. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. For the full recipe and more details, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. Look for brands that hold up well in sauces. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream adds a nice richness without dairy. You can also use almond milk or cashew cream for a lighter touch. Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp works great in this dish. Simply add them in during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also add chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option. They add protein and fiber. Tofu is another great choice. Just make sure to cube it and sauté it before adding. You can add seasonal vegetables to this pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. In spring, try adding peas or asparagus. In summer, diced zucchini or bell peppers work well. In fall, add spinach or roasted squash. These vegetables add color and taste. They also make the dish more filling. Don't be afraid to mix and match. The Full Recipe allows for plenty of creativity in your kitchen! To store your leftover One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it gently. You can use a microwave or a stove. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. On the stove, warm it over low heat. Stir often and add a little cream if it seems dry. Freezing is a great way to keep your pasta for later. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze it in single servings. This way, you can take out just what you need. It will stay good for up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your meal anytime with these easy storage tips! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To stop the pasta from sticking, stir it well in the early cooking stages. Use enough liquid, as it helps the pasta cook evenly. A splash of olive oil can also reduce stickiness. Keep the pot covered while simmering, but check it every few minutes. Stir gently to keep the pasta apart. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta as directed, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a bit of broth or cream to keep it creamy. This dish tastes great even a day later! You can use many herbs! Oregano and thyme pair well with tomatoes. Parsley adds a fresh taste. If you like a bit of spice, try red pepper flakes. For a unique twist, use fresh dill or tarragon. Each herb brings its own flavor and charm to the dish, making it fun to experiment. For the full recipe, check out the details above! You learned how to make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with easy steps and helpful tips. We covered key ingredients, cooking techniques, and ways to customize your dish. You can avoid common mistakes and impress others with this tasty meal. Try the variations we discussed to keep it fresh and exciting. With proper storage, you can enjoy your pasta later. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation, so have fun! Happy cooking!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/933975d3-df1f-4f1f-8a02-7fe96f32a914-250x250.webp)
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Indulge in a delightful bowl of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This simple recipe combines fettuccine, crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil all in one pot for a hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is creamy, comforting, and sure to impress.