Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in this delightful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, where simplicity meets flavor in a comforting dish that's perfect for any day of the week.

Lillian Hayes

Created by

Lillian Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-23T01:42:34.394Z

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a weeknight favorite! With minimal effort, you can create a rich and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor
  • One pot means easy cleanup
  • Quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes

A Comforting Classic

There's something undeniably comforting about a creamy tomato pasta dish. The rich and velvety sauce clings to each piece of pasta, creating a delightful combination that warms the soul. This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. The creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with the pasta, making it a delightful choice for those who crave comfort food without the fuss.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta fits the bill perfectly. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp or enjoyed as a delicious vegetarian option. Add a side salad or some garlic bread, and you have a complete meal that impresses without the stress.

In addition, this dish is great for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you'll have lunch or dinner ready to go during the busy week. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

Cooking Tips for Success

When preparing this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic for a spicy kick.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté some chopped onions along with the garlic. This addition will provide a sweet base that complements the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. Remember, the key to a great pasta dish is to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly after being mixed with the sauce.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your creamy tomato pasta:

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Once you have these ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy tomato pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the pasta, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious one pot creamy tomato pasta!

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers of this delicious creamy tomato pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be aware that the cream may change texture slightly upon thawing, but it will still be delicious. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic base, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. You can stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they remain vibrant and tender.

For a protein boost, mix in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or chickpeas. These additions will enhance the dish's heartiness and make it even more satisfying. Feel free to play around with different herbs and seasonings to create your own unique version of this creamy tomato pasta.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite pasta shape!

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Indulge in this delightful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, where simplicity meets flavor in a comforting dish that's perfect for any day of the week.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Lillian Hayes

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  5. 2 cups vegetable broth
  6. 1 cup heavy cream
  7. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. Fresh basil for garnish
  11. Parmesan cheese for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the pasta, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 02

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 03

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 10g