One-pan Creamy Pasta
ONE-PAN CREAMY PASTA 🍝🔥 is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by TastyIri_en on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $8.40 total, $2.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 g Dry Pasta (any short shape such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (smooth, no added sugar preferred)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh basil. Measure out pasta, tomato sauce, cream, and broth.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Combine Pasta and Liquids
Stir in the dry pasta, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged; add a splash more broth if needed.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer Until Al Dente
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Low simmer
Finish with Basil and Season
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped basil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Optional: garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 58 g
- Fat
- 16 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta
Allergens: Wheat (pasta), Dairy (cream)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dry Pasta: Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1 tsp), Italian parsley
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes (blend)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Milk + butter
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth, Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Butter
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Wide‑Bottom Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the onion until translucent but not browned.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before simmering.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the pan.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality canned San Marzano tomato sauce for deeper flavor.
- Finish with a handful of grated Pecorino Romano for extra umami.
- A pinch of red‑pepper flakes adds a subtle heat without overpowering the cream.
Troubleshooting
The pasta is dry and sticks to the pan.
Add a little more broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, and continue to simmer until the pasta absorbs the liquid.
The sauce is too watery.
Increase the simmering time uncovered, stirring frequently, until the sauce reduces and thickens.
Pasta is undercooked after the allotted time.
Cover the pan and cook for an additional 2‑3 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
Freezer: Not recommended; the creamy sauce may separate.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑chop onion and basil and store in zip‑top bags in the fridge.
- Measure out broth, sauce, and cream in a single container for quick addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta in Italian cuisine?
One‑pot pasta dishes are rooted in Italian peasant cooking, where families used a single pan to stretch pantry staples into a hearty meal. The combination of tomato, basil, and cream reflects a modern, comfort‑food twist on classic marinara, popularized in the late 20th century for quick weeknight meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of tomato‑basil pasta in Italy?
In Southern Italy, tomato‑basil pasta is often served with olive oil and garlic, while in the North, especially in the Emilia‑Romagna region, cream and butter are added to create a richer sauce. Some regions also incorporate local cheeses like Parmigiano‑Reggiano or Pecorino.
How is One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta traditionally served in Italy?
Traditionally, it is served hot, directly from the pan, topped with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta associated with in Italian culture?
While not a festive dish, it is a staple for casual family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and quick weekday dinners. Its simplicity makes it popular for impromptu meals after market trips or when entertaining guests with limited kitchen space.
What other Italian dishes pair well with One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
Pair it with a light antipasto such as bruschetta, a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon, or a side of sautéed garlic spinach. For protein, grilled chicken or Italian sausage complement the creamy pasta nicely.
What makes One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta special in Italian comfort food?
Its one‑pan method reduces cleanup while still delivering the classic balance of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and silky cream. The dish showcases how a few high‑quality ingredients can create a satisfying, restaurant‑style meal at home.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta?
Common errors include over‑cooking the onion, which can add bitterness, and not adding enough liquid, causing the pasta to stick. Also, stirring too vigorously can break the pasta shape, resulting in a mushy texture.
Why does this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe use cream instead of milk?
Cream provides a higher fat content that emulsifies with the tomato sauce, creating a velvety texture and preventing the sauce from separating during the short simmer. Milk would thin the sauce and may curdle under heat.
Can I make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding fresh basil. Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth, and stir in the basil just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is done?
The pasta should be al dente—tender with a slight bite—and the sauce should coat each piece, appearing glossy and slightly thickened. The cherry tomatoes should be softened but still hold shape, and the basil should be bright green.
What does the YouTube channel TastyIri_en specialize in?
The YouTube channel TastyIri_en focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that showcase simple one‑pot and sheet‑pan recipes from a variety of world cuisines, emphasizing minimal cleanup and everyday ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel TastyIri_en's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
TastyIri_en blends traditional Italian flavors with modern convenience, often using a single pan or minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may present more elaborate, multi‑step Italian dishes. This channel prioritizes speed without sacrificing authentic taste.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
