Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
A simple, creamy tomato pasta dish made in one pot with minimal cleanup—ideal for busy home cooks using pantry staples. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add 8 ounces spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice) and simmer for 5 minutes, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss vigorously, incorporating 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed to achieve creamy consistency, then stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil until melted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Albert Lea One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
