If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only simple but bursting with flavor, then you absolutely have to try my one pot creamy tomato basil pasta! It’s the kind of meal that makes my heart sing – the creamy sauce, the fresh basil, and those juicy cherry tomatoes just come together like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, there’s something magical about cooking everything in just one pot. It means less cleanup for you and more time to enjoy that deliciousness. I love making this for a cozy dinner at home or when I’m entertaining friends; it always impresses without the fuss. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can dig in! So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking – you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamy tomato basil pasta! This recipe is super straightforward and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious with minimal fuss. I promise you’re going to want this in your weekly rotation!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a large pot and toss in the penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, and minced garlic. You want to make sure everything is nicely combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the pasta soaks up all that lovely flavor!
- After 10 minutes, it’s time to add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully creamy and well mixed.
- Now, fold in that fresh chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is your chance to taste and adjust – don’t be shy!
- Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes just until it’s heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and you can hardly wait to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – it comes together in just about 25 minutes!
- One pot means easy cleanup – less mess, more time to enjoy your meal.
- Rich, creamy flavor that satisfies your pasta cravings.
- Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes bring a burst of vibrant taste.
- Vegetarian-friendly – a delightful option for everyone at the table.
- Customizable – feel free to toss in extra veggies or adjust the seasonings.
- Perfect for leftovers – it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your one pot creamy tomato basil pasta truly shine, I’ve got a few tips that will elevate your dish to the next level! First, always use fresh basil – it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, grab the ripest cherry tomatoes you can find; their sweetness really enhances the sauce. Also, don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese – it adds that rich, nutty depth that ties everything together. If you want a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while it simmers. And remember, tasting as you go is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your palate; cooking is all about making it just the way you like it. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your pasta unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my one pot creamy tomato basil pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Here are the estimated nutritional values for each serving, which is about 1 cup:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust accordingly based on your dietary needs or preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some shapes may take longer or shorter to cook.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No problem! You can use dried basil instead, but remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Can I add protein to this dish?
For sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be great additions. Just cook them separately and toss them in just before serving to keep everything wonderfully creamy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back that creamy texture!
Can I freeze this pasta?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, just follow the storage tip above!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even a creamy plant-based milk, like cashew or coconut milk. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one pot creamy tomato basil pasta is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 days, so you can enjoy that creamy goodness for lunch or dinner later. Just remember to let it cool down a bit before sealing it up.
When it comes to reheating, the stovetop is your best friend! Gently warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir it frequently until it’s heated through and oh-so-inviting again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave – just make sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. Trust me, this pasta is just as delicious the next day, so don’t hesitate to savor those leftovers!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy truffle pasta or this vegetable pasta!
Z nadrukami
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta That Bursts with Flavor
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and flavorful one pot creamy tomato basil pasta dish.
Składniki
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In a large pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, broth, and garlic.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until combined.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add spinach for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 55g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pot creamy tomato basil pasta
