One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy tomato pasta simmered with fresh basil and Parmesan, ready in 25 minutes with no extra pots needed. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti to the pot, breaking it into pieces if needed, then pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir well and cook for 8-10 minutes, adding splashes of water if sauce becomes too thick, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce?

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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce 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 One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta with Cream Sauce?

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.

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