Why You’ll Love Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This dish brings together the bold taste of tomatoes with a luscious creaminess that makes every bite irresistible. The one-pot method means you can throw everything together and let it simmer into a delicious, cohesive meal with very little effort. It’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is a go-to staple that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Onion
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Tomato paste
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Crushed tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
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Vegetable or chicken broth
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
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Salt and pepper
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Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
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Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
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Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine.
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Add the pasta, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to submerge the pasta.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has slightly reduced.
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Stir in heavy cream and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make it a more filling meal.
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Make it vegan: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
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Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
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Cheesier option: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for a more indulgent, gooey texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta and warm on the stove over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
This pasta is not ideal for freezing due to the cream content, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent clumping, and make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to peel and cook them down thoroughly to get the right sauce consistency.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream?
You can use coconut cream, almond cooking milk, or any unsweetened plant-based cream alternative.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well, but spaghetti or linguine can also be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy upon reheating.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can absorb liquid differently, so adjust the broth accordingly.
Can I add cheese directly into the pot?
Absolutely. Stir in grated cheese before serving for a richer, cheesier flavor.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of broth or water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it thickens, or add a spoonful of cream cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. For a creamier result, consider adding a pat of butter along with the milk.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for when you need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and one pot, it delivers a rich, hearty meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, busy weeknight dinner, or even a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner — quick, flavorful, and made with simple pantry staples. Creamy, comforting, and cooked in just one pot for easy cleanup, it’s the ultimate 30-minute pasta recipe for busy families.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil and oregano)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- ou can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
- Add spinach, peas, or cooked chicken to boost the nutritional value or protein.
- For an extra cheesy version, stir in mozzarella before serving.
