One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce with the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. This dish brings together tender pasta, a velvety tomato-based sauce, and a touch of cream for the perfect creamy and tangy bite in every spoonful. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—no need to boil pasta separately or dirty multiple pans. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, with just a few key ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This creamy tomato pasta is easy to customize, and it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Quick and Easy: Everything is cooked in one pot, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze. You can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of tomatoes, garlic, cream, and seasonings creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples like pasta, tomatoes, and cream, you can make a meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to put together.
• One-Pot Wonder: The best part? No need to juggle multiple pots or pans. Everything cooks in one pot, so you spend less time cleaning up afterward.
• Customizable: You can add vegetables, protein, or extra seasonings to make this dish your own. Whether you want a vegetarian version, a meat option, or extra flavor, this recipe can be adapted to fit your needs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Add the canned diced tomatoes (including the juices) to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes, so the flavors begin to meld together.

3. Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, making sure it is submerged in the tomato and broth mixture. Stir everything together so that the pasta is evenly distributed and covered in the sauce. Bring the liquid to a simmer again, and then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Keep an eye on the liquid level as the pasta cooks. If it looks like the sauce is evaporating too quickly, you can add a bit more broth or water.

4. Add the Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, which will turn the sauce rich and velvety. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dried herbs if desired. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of extra broth or cream to achieve your preferred consistency.

5. Finish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy and smooth, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy tomato pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese. For added richness, you can also drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before serving.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Use Pasta with Good Sauce-Absorbing Ability: Opt for short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. These pasta shapes help absorb the sauce and create a better overall texture. Long pasta like spaghetti will also work but may not hold the sauce as well.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a richer, creamier sauce, feel free to add extra cream or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter option. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream alternative.
• Add Protein: You can easily turn this into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some crispy bacon. For a vegetarian version, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes for Extra Flavor: If tomatoes are in season, fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned for a burst of flavor. Simply chop up about 2-3 medium tomatoes and add them when the recipe calls for canned tomatoes.
• Season to Taste: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. More basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for some brightness if the sauce feels too heavy.

Variations of One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Spicy Creamy Tomato Pasta: If you like a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili to the sauce. You can also serve the pasta with a sprinkle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Creamy Tomato Pasta with Chicken: Add cooked, shredded chicken to the pasta after the sauce has thickened. This will turn the dish into a more substantial meal with added protein.
• Vegetable Creamy Tomato Pasta: Sauté vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onion and garlic in the first step. This adds flavor and nutrition to the dish without taking away from its creamy goodness.
• Cheesy Creamy Tomato Pasta: Add extra cheese for a cheesier, more indulgent version. You can use mozzarella or fontina cheese in addition to the Parmesan for a gooey, cheesy sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened too much.

While this dish can be reheated, note that the pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so the dish may not be as creamy the second time around. However, it will still taste delicious!

If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare it up to the point where you add the cream and Parmesan cheese. Store the dish in the refrigerator, then finish it off with the cream and cheese before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Pair your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with these complementary side dishes for a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a loaf of crispy garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce in your bowl.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing makes the perfect accompaniment to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots provide a nice contrast to the richness of the creamy pasta.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For extra protein, serve the pasta with grilled chicken breasts or shrimp. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice will complement the flavors beautifully.

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Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings. With a rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and just a few simple ingredients, this meal comes together in no time and will be loved by all. The best part is the one-pot cooking method, which minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a dish to serve to guests, or just a comforting meal for yourself, this creamy tomato pasta will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!