One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
A quick and satisfying Italian pasta dish cooked in one pot with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil, finished with creamy Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 12 oz dried penne pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 12 oz dried penne pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan 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.
Is One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
