One-Pan Creamy Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Tomato Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring sautéed cherry tomatoes and garlic combined with pasta cooked directly in boiling water, finished with fresh basil, spinach, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a comforting, rich tomato sauce with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (≈ 300g)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic (≈ 6–7 cloves / 25g)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 handful chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Pasta & Liquids
- 1/2 pound dry spaghetti (≈ 250g)
- 3½ cups boiling water (≈ 800ml)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
- 4 tsp vegan cream cheese (or regular, optional)
- 1 big handful baby spinach (≈ 1 packed cup / 30g)
- 1/3 cup grated vegan Parmesan (or regular Parmigiano Reggiano) (≈ 25g)
Instructions
- Sauté the base: In a large deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic along with a pinch of salt and black pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, if using, and sauté for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
- Add pasta & water: Add the dry spaghetti to the pan, breaking it in half if needed to fit. Pour in the boiling water and bring everything to a boil. Cover the pan and cook on medium-high heat for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish the sauce: Uncover the pan and stir in the fresh chopped basil. If using vegan or regular cream cheese, add it now and stir until completely melted and integrated into the sauce. Add the baby spinach and continue stirring until it wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Sprinkle the grated vegan Parmesan or regular Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky tomato spaghetti.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pan and cook evenly.
- Using boiling water speeds up the cooking process and helps ensure the pasta cooks evenly in one pan.
- Vegan cream cheese and Parmesan can be substituted with regular dairy versions if preferred.
- Add salt gradually and taste test as the cheese may add saltiness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled but use a wider pan for even cooking.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Keywords: one-pan pasta, garlic tomato spaghetti, creamy tomato pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta
