This one-pot wonder delivers on all fronts: it’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta beautifully, delivering a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. It’s also incredibly adaptable you can add vegetables, protein, or extra seasonings to suit your taste. Even beginners can master One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta on the first try.
But the best part of all? You only need one pot. That means less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation. One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals at home, or last-minute get-togethers with friends.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of this tasty one pot creamy pasta recipe, and trust us it’ll become a staple in your weekly routine.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta stands out for several reasons:
- Quick and Simple: It’s ready in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time savoring your meal.
- Creamy Without the Fuss: The sauce achieves a luscious, creamy texture with just a few staple ingredients no complicated techniques required.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, and cream, making it an economical yet satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or a fan of spicy dishes, this creamy one-pot pasta can be modified to suit any dietary preference or craving.
In a nutshell, this is a feel-good recipe that combines flavor, convenience, and flexibility all in one pot!
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the delicious ingredients that make up this simple one pot creamy tomato pasta.
Core Ingredients:
- Pasta (10–12 oz): Spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well. Go for regular or whole wheat, or swap for a gluten-free option if needed.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (14 oz): Adds an easy burst of tomato flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, go for crushed tomatoes.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Creates that creamy, indulgent texture we crave. You can substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock (3 cups): This enhances the flavor while cooking the pasta to perfection.
- Onion (1, diced): Provides a subtle sweet base to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of flavor essential to any good pasta dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the taste.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): For a cheesy, umami-packed finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Baby Spinach: Toss in a handful for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Give the sauce a kick of spice.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Pro Tip: Use fresh basil leaves as a garnish for a fragrant, delicious touch plus, it’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photos!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this one pot creamy tomato pasta recipe is so easy. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure all your ingredients are prepped. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, grate the cheese, and have the stock and tomatoes ready to go. Efficiency is key when everything cooks together in one pot!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can taste bitter.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in the canned tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, and your chosen dried pasta. Stir everything well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on the liquid level if it evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water or stock.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. This is where the magic happens the sauce transforms into a silky, luscious coating for the pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, thickening the sauce beautifully.
Optional: Add baby spinach at this point and stir until wilted, or toss in cooked protein like shrimp or chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and enjoy your easy one-pot creamy tomato pasta masterpiece!
Expert Tips
- Stir Regularly: To prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot or clumping together, give it a good stir every couple of minutes.
- Use a Big Enough Pot: A large, deep pot ensures even cooking and makes stirring easier.
- Don’t Oversalt Initially: Stock and Parmesan are naturally salty, so wait until the end to adjust the seasoning.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta holds up well for next-day leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of stock or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Balance the Acidity: If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
Variations
The beauty of this one pot pasta recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable.
- Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the Parmesan. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy: Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesier: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add extra cheese, such as mozzarella, for a gooey finish.
- Protein-Boosted: Incorporate grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even canned chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
The possibilities are endless choose your favorite twist and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your creamy tomato pasta with complementary sides to elevate the meal:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add smoky flavor with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Wine Pairing: A light red such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish.
FAQ
Q1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! You’ll need about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them for a smoother sauce.
Q2. Can I make this low-carb?
For a low-carb version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
Q3. How can I thicken the sauce further?
If the sauce feels too thin, let it simmer for a few additional minutes to reduce. You can also stir in an extra handful of grated Parmesan.
Q4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the pasta can be frozen for up to one month. Reheat gently with extra stock or cream.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and indulgence. Bursting with creamy, tomatoey goodness, it’s a meal that’s destined to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the minimal ingredients and one-pot preparation make it a lifesaver on busy days.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and try One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta tonight. We promise it’ll become your go-to for cozy, delicious dinners!
Don’t forget to share your one-pot wonders by tagging us on social media. We’d love to see your creations!
Print
10-Minute One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Imagine dinner on the table in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup! This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta perfectly, balancing tangy and savory notes. Plus, everything cooks in just one pot, making it ideal for busy nights. Customizable, budget-friendly, and beginner-friendly, this pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients:
- 10–12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or crushed for a smoother sauce)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Baby spinach – For extra nutrients
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For heat
- Protein options – Cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
- Pour in diced tomatoes, stock, and pasta. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Add the Cream
- Pour in ½ cup heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
- Turn off heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Notes
- Stir regularly to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Use a deep pot for even cooking.
- Balance acidity by adding a pinch of sugar if needed.
- For leftovers, store in an airtight container and reheat with extra stock or cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~600mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~9g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fiber: ~15g
- Protein: ~15g
- Cholesterol: ~40mg