One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Try this One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe or contribute your own.
Try this One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth (i use low sodium)
- 1 pound (16 ounces) spaghetti broken in half
- 4 cups (about 20 ounces) cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced (about 1 heaping teaspoon)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup (about 1.5 ounces) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrate 4.67798160285729 g
- Cholesterol 8.0000000067628 mg
- Fat 2.65393028530935 g
- Fiber 0.194458944769891 g
- Protein 2.87045637243469 g
- Saturated Fat 1.50062814975967 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (162g)
- Sodium 32.6147318647375 mg
- Sugar 4.4835226580874 g
- Trans Fat 0.313376783374429 g
- Calories 53 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot (5- to 6-quarts), combine the milk, broth, spaghetti, garlic, oregano, cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- Adjust the heat accordingly especially at the end.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Off the heat, stir in the basil leaves and the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately (if you want it slightly thicker, let it rest 5-10 minutes; it will thicken as it stands).
One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I'm obsessed with one-pot pasta recipes! They're quick, easy, and minimize cleanup – a trifecta of win for any busy individual. This One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a perfect example of how simple it can be to whip up a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just toss everything into a pot, let it simmer, and voila! You have a creamy, flavourful pasta dish ready in under 20 minutes. The creamy texture comes from the milk and the parmesan cheese, beautifully complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the aromatic basil. The recipe is easily adaptable to your taste; you can easily adjust the amount of spices or add other vegetables to make it your own. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It's fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner, but it also holds up well for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and the flavors even deepen as it sits. The simple ingredients make it easy to scale up or down depending on how many servings you need. Whether you're feeding a family of four or just yourself, this recipe is always a winner.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe also provides a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I can create a satisfying and healthy meal in such a short amount of time is incredibly empowering. It's a reminder that even on the busiest of days, I can still take care of myself and my family without compromising on taste or quality. This recipe isn't just a meal; it’s a symbol of efficiency, deliciousness, and a little bit of self-care woven into my daily routine.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add some greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Boost the flavor: Add a bay leaf while simmering and remove before serving.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta.
- Fresh vs. Dried herbs: Fresh basil is always preferable, but dried oregano works well too in a pinch. Adjust the amount accordingly.
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a flavor enhancer, and a stress reducer all rolled into one delicious dish. So, the next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
