Description
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta cooked directly in a flavorful tomato and vegetable broth sauce, enriched with creamy heavy cream or coconut milk, it offers a comforting, rich, and easy-to-make dish. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this recipe requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables & Liquids
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a lighter option
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes, which builds the flavor base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally, letting them break down slightly and release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to start cooking the pasta in the liquid.
- Add Pasta: Submerge the pasta into the simmering broth and stir to distribute evenly in the pan.
- Season: Stir in dried basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste, layering the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk until fully incorporated for a rich and creamy texture.
- Simmer to Thicken: Let it simmer an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adding Parmesan is optional but adds a nice salty, umami finish.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adding them at the end of cooking.
