Indulge in the comfort of a quick, delicious, and fuss-free meal with this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. This recipe brings together rich, velvety tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in a single pot for effortless preparation and cleanup. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent looking for a quick dinner option, this creamy pasta is a lifesaver. Its luxurious texture and balanced flavors are sure to make it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, this recipe eliminates the hassle of washing multiple dishes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of tangy tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and luscious cream creates a sauce that’s perfectly rich and indulgent.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies, proteins, or keep it simple, this recipe adapts to your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective way to whip up a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste for added depth. Mix well until the paste is fully incorporated.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the tomato mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and stir to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta cook directly in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This method allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce while releasing its starch, thickening the mixture.
- Incorporate Cream: Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the pot and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Options: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers to enhance the veggie quotient.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Note that the texture of the cream may change slightly after freezing.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?
Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks in the sauce to prevent sticking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes by blending them into a puree. However, canned tomatoes are more convenient and consistent in flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal as it holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and ensure the pasta you choose is egg-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Let the pasta cook a little longer in the sauce or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. Consider adding a bit of butter to enrich the flavor.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Can I use a non-stick pot for this recipe?
Yes, a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot works well for even cooking and easy cleanup.
What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables are great accompaniments.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, savory notes, and versatility, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and discover the joy of a meal that’s both comforting and effortless to prepare!
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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and delicious one-pot creamy tomato pasta recipe perfect for weeknights. Made with a rich tomato sauce, cream, and Parmesan, it’s a simple, fuss-free dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well until the paste is fully incorporated.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, stirring to submerge it in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the flavors while releasing starch to thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Cream: Once the pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream until smooth.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan into the pot and stir until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream for a creamy consistency.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Note: the cream may change texture slightly after freezing.
- Tips: Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner pasta
- Method: one pot
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: One-pot creamy pasta Tomato pasta recipe Easy weeknight dinner Budget-friendly pasta Creamy tomato sauce
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