Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. With just one pot and a few simple ingredients, you get a comforting, creamy tomato pasta dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for busy days, it’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal in under 30 minutes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta (such as penne or fusilli)olive oilgarlic (minced)onion (chopped)crushed tomatoesvegetable or chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheesesalt and pepperbasil or parsley (for garnish)
directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then add uncooked pasta.
Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning if needed and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein.
Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Top with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to break them down into a sauce consistency.
Is this pasta dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Its creamy texture and mild flavor are loved by kids.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat gently with added liquid to refresh the sauce.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best if substituting.
Conclusion
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a deliciously simple meal that brings creamy comfort to your dinner table without the hassle. With flexible ingredients and quick preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Ideal for busy nights, this recipe delivers taste and convenience in every bite.
Print
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One‑pot simmering
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
Description
A simple, quick, and comforting creamy tomato pasta made entirely in one pot—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (about 340 g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or basil + oregano)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the dry pasta and stir to combine, making sure pasta is submerged.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium‑low.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness; if liquid is nearly absorbed and pasta is al dente, remove from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten‑free pasta and broth to make this gluten‑free.
- For a dairy‑free version, substitute cream with coconut milk and skip Parmesan or use a dairy‑free alternative.
- Make it protein‑packed by stirring in cooked chicken, sausage, or white beans at the end.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of broth before microwaving.