One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta (So Easy!)

Hey there, fellow food lovers! 👋

Feeling like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl? Craving something delicious but definitely not in the mood for a sink full of dishes? Then you, my friend, have landed in the right place. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.

This isn’t your complicated, multi-step pasta dish. Nope. This is the kind of recipe you can whip up on a busy weeknight, when you’re feeling a little lazy (we’ve all been there!), or when you simply want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Trust me, this creamy tomato pasta is a game-changer.

The best part? It all cooks together in one single pot. That’s right – less cleanup, more time for Netflix (or maybe just a nice, quiet moment!). So, grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need (The Dream Team of Ingredients):

Before we dive into the magic, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Our flavorful starting point.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds a lovely sweetness as it cooks down.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a good pasta without garlic?
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart and soul of our sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Helps create that luscious, smooth base.
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The cooking liquid that also helps form our sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds warmth.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Another essential for that authentic flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! Feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste – don’t skimp on these!
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or your favorite shape): The star of the show!
• 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that creamy, dreamy texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): A pop of freshness at the end.

Let’s Get Cooking (Step-by-Step Deliciousness):

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Place your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer for a moment. Then, toss in the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for our sauce.

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we want all the good flavors here!

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Liquid

Now, pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s harder to take it away!

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once the liquid is boiling, add your pasta to the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Give it a good stir to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for the time indicated on your pasta package (usually around 8-12 minutes), stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to make sure the pasta absorbs most of the liquid but there’s still some sauce left. You want a creamy consistency, not dry pasta! If the liquid is absorbing too quickly and the pasta isn’t done, you can add a splash more broth or water.

Step 5: Make it Creamy!

Once the pasta is cooked al dente (tender with a slight bite) and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pasta and sauce will melt the cheese and warm the cream, creating a beautiful, luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Give it one final good stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and wonderfully combined. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your Easy One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta into bowls. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of fresh, chopped basil leaves for that final touch of flavor and freshness.

And there you have it! A delicious, creamy, comforting pasta dish that only dirtied one pot. Pretty amazing, right?

Tips, Tricks, and Variations (Let’s Get Creative!):

• Pasta Power: Feel free to use any short pasta shape you love – penne, rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, even small shells would work perfectly. Just be mindful that different shapes might absorb liquid at slightly different rates, so keep an eye on it.
• Boost the Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? You can sauté diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach along with the onions. Just add them a few minutes after the onions have started to soften.
• Protein Powerhouse: If you want to add some protein, cooked ground beef, Italian sausage (removed from its casing), shredded chicken, or even cooked shrimp would be delicious additions. Brown the ground meat or sausage in the pot before adding the onions, or stir in cooked chicken or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice it Up: If you like things really spicy, you can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs make a big difference! Besides basil, you could also try adding fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme at the end of cooking.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Parmesan and Romano would be lovely. You could even stir in a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Make it Vegan (Almost!): To make this vegan, you would need to substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative (like cashew cream or oat cream) and use a vegan Parmesan cheese. Check the broth to ensure it’s vegetable-based.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The key to perfect one-pot pasta is to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. It will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Adjust the Liquid: Depending on your pasta shape and the heat of your stove, you might need to adjust the amount of broth slightly. If the pasta seems dry before it’s cooked through, add a little more broth or water, about ¼ cup at a time.
• Fresh Tomato Twist: In the summer when tomatoes are at their peak, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. You’ll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped. You might need to adjust the amount of broth accordingly, as fresh tomatoes contain more water. Cook them down with the onions and garlic until they break down before adding the rest of the ingredients.
• Leftovers are Your Friend: This pasta is just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works (The Science of Deliciousness):

You might be wondering how the pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce without becoming a starchy mess. Here’s the little secret:

• Starchy Water is Our Friend: As the pasta cooks in the broth and tomato mixture, it releases starch into the liquid. This starchy liquid naturally thickens the sauce, creating that beautiful, creamy consistency without the need for a separate roux or thickening agent.
• Controlled Simmering: Cooking the pasta at a gentle simmer allows it to absorb the liquid gradually and evenly. The covered pot traps the steam, which also helps to cook the pasta.
• The Magic of Cream and Cheese: The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese at the end adds richness, flavor, and that final touch of luxurious creaminess that makes this dish so irresistible.

Serving Suggestions (Complete the Meal!):

While this creamy tomato pasta is fantastic on its own, here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic companion to any pasta dish!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers would be delicious roasted and served alongside the pasta.
• Grilled Chicken or Fish: For a heartier meal, top the pasta with grilled chicken breast or flaky white fish.

Final Thoughts (Go Forth and Cook!):

This Easy One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is truly a weeknight winner. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s incredibly flavorful, and the minimal cleanup is a major bonus. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how simple and satisfying a delicious homemade pasta dish can be.

So, ditch the multiple pots and pans, embrace the simplicity, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments below how your one-pot pasta turns out – I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who needs a little less fuss and a lot more flavor in their kitchen. Enjoy! 

Alan William

Hi, I’m Alan Williams! 🍽️ Welcome to my Food blog! 🍽️ Cooking and eating and exploring is my passion, and I’m excited to share my favorite creations  experiences with you. Here, you’ll find a variety of restaurant menus, keto-friendly recipes, mouthwatering dishes made with the Ninja Creami and Ninja Foodi, and plenty of other tasty options. Let’s explore how to make your meals both healthier and more delicious! 🌟