Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A one-pot pasta bursting with fresh tomato, basil, and cream flavors, perfect for a quick and comforting Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 12 oz penne pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed; serve immediately garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil 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 Italian One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
Italian pasta 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.
