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
Scale
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