| |

Delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta – Comfort Food Made Easy

ByWendy Carter
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Picture this: It’s 7 PM, you’re starving, and the thought of doing dishes makes you want to order takeout.

But what if you could make a restaurant-worthy pasta dish in one pot—no fuss, no mess, and no culinary degree required? This creamy tomato pasta is your ticket to flavor town with minimal effort.

It’s rich, tangy, and so indulgent you’ll forget it’s stupidly easy. Who said delicious can’t be lazy?

Why This Recipe Slaps

This isn’t just another pasta recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in under 30 minutes.

No draining pasta, no extra pans—just dump, stir, and devour. The sauce clings to every noodle like it’s begging to be eaten. Plus, it’s customizable AF.

Picky eater? No problem. Fancy chef?

Add some flair. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a trusty sweatpants-and-hoodie combo: comfortable, reliable, and always hits the spot.

Delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta – Comfort Food Made Easy
Pin
Print

Delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta – Comfort Food Made Easy

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Dinner, Pasta, Vegetarian
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work great)

  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft (about 3 minutes).
  • Add the liquids: Pour in broth, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir like you mean it.
  • Season it up: Toss in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste—adjust if needed.
  • Pasta time: Add the dry pasta directly to the pot. Stir to submerge it in the liquid.
  • Simmer: Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  • Cheese, please: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan until melted. Serve immediately (or eat it straight from the pot, we won’t judge).

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but the texture won’t be as luxurious. FYI, this dish doesn’t freeze well—the cream can separate.

So eat up!

Why You Should Make This ASAP

Besides being ridiculously easy, this pasta is budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and versatile. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, last-minute guests, or when you just can’t adult anymore. Plus, one pot means fewer dishes—a win for humanity.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Carbs: 55g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is the goal.

    Mushy pasta is a crime.

  • Skimping on stirring: Pasta sticks. Stir occasionally to prevent a clumpy disaster.
  • Using pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated melts better. The canned stuff is sad.

Alternatives and Swaps

  • Vegan? Swap cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Gluten-free? Use GF pasta—just adjust cooking time per package instructions.
  • Want protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
  • Spice lover? Double the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Sure, but you’ll need to cook them down longer.

Food Icon

Calorie Calculator

Instantly find your personalized goals for weight loss, maintenance, or gain, with our Calorie Calculator App.

Try Now!

Canned tomatoes save time and deliver consistent flavor. IMO, lazy wins here.

Why is my sauce too thick?

You probably overcooked it or didn’t use enough liquid. Add a splash of broth or water and stir to loosen it up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Technically yes, but the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.

Reheat with extra broth or cream to revive it.

What’s the best pasta shape for this?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best. Long noodles (spaghetti) can get clumpy in one-pot recipes.

Final Thoughts

This one-pot creamy tomato pasta is the ultimate no-brainer dinner. It’s fast, delicious, and requires barely any cleanup.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a hangry crowd, this dish delivers every time.

So put down the takeout menu and grab a pot—your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.

Similar Posts