Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful and quick meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
This recipe was born out of the need for a quick yet delicious dinner option. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you'll have a creamy, flavorful pasta that the whole family will love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that coats every bite
- Rich tomato flavor with aromatic herbs
- One pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is more than just a quick dinner; it's a comforting meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. The creamy sauce envelops the pasta, creating a satisfying dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe fits right in, providing a rich flavor profile that appeals to everyone.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The combination of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and herbs creates a depth of flavor that's both familiar and comforting. Plus, the fact that everything cooks in one pot means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be a challenge. This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is designed with that in mind. It requires minimal preparation and cook time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you're short on time but still want to serve a delicious meal.
The one-pot nature of this dish not only simplifies the cooking process but also minimizes cleanup. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants to do is tackle a mountain of dirty dishes. With this recipe, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle, allowing you to relax and unwind after a busy day.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this creamy tomato pasta is its versatility. Feel free to customize the dish according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and add color to your plate. For a protein boost, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Additionally, if you're looking to switch up the flavors, experiment with different herbs or spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful heat, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish even further. This recipe serves as a fantastic base that encourages creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Tips for the Best Results
For the creamiest sauce, make sure to use heavy cream as specified in the recipe. This will give the dish a rich texture that's hard to resist. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but keep in mind the consistency may vary.
When cooking the pasta, be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will ensure an even cooking and a well-integrated sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy pasta dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
When reheating, you may notice the sauce has thickened. To bring it back to its creamy state, add a splash of water or broth while reheating in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, and enjoy a quick meal that tastes just as delicious as the first time!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
→ Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use vegetable broth.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
→ What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful and quick meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Maribel Hayes
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 12g