One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Recipe from Sunny Cho
This one-pot pasta is a reliable, family-friendly dish that delivers maximum comfort with minimal cleanup. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to release starch, naturally thickening the dish into a rich, creamy, tomato-forward meal. This version is tailored for the Our Place Induction Plate and Perfect Pot, which heats rapidly and benefits from gentle simmering. The result is a silky, flavorful pasta that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, and large families.
10 minutes
20 - 25 minutes
4 - 6
What You'll Need
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
1 medium onion, diced
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
4 cups (950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1–1½ tsp salt, to taste
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
1 cup (85 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Start the base: Set your Our Place Induction Plate to Pan Fry. In the Perfect Pot, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, pasta, salt, pepper, oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.
💡 Tip:
Induction burners heat rapidly — stir frequently during the first 5 minutes to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 2
Simmer the pasta: Cover the Perfect Pot and switch the mode to Boil. Bring the mixture to a boil (2–3 minutes). Switch back to Pan Fry and cook for 13–15 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Step 3
Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes silky and cohesive. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4
Finish & serve: Remove from the heat. Fold in fresh basil, if using. Serve warm with additional Parmesan.
Optional Variations
Protein Add-Ins
Brown 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage after cooking the onion
Add 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken at the end
Add 12 oz shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking
Vegetables
Add sliced mushrooms after the onions
Stir in spinach during the last 2 minutes
Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or frozen peas
Flavor Boosters
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar
Stir in 1–2 tbsp pesto
Add chili flakes for heat
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Sunny Cho
Sunny Cho is a Los Angeles-based food stylist and chef, known for her work on Food Network and HBO shows like Guy’s Grocery Games and Selena + Chef. She’s traveled the world creating recipes and hosting events for top athletes, chefs, and brands. With a passion for Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines, Sunny brings a global flair to everything she creates.
