This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a rich, comforting, and incredibly simple meal that comes together in just one pot. With pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, broth, and pasta, I can whip up a warm, cheesy dinner without the need for tons of dishes. The creamy tomato sauce wraps each bite in comfort, making it perfect for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how everything cooks in one pot—no separate boiling for pasta or extra saucepans to clean. The creaminess paired with savory garlic, herbs, and Parmesan makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. I can customize it to fit what I have on hand, and it’s great for feeding the whole family or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions
Sauté Aromatics:
I start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. If I’m using onions, I cook them for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Liquids & Pasta:
Next, I pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, cream, herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. I stir everything together, then add the uncooked pasta.
Simmer Until Tender:
I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Then I cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. I cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened.
Add Cheese & Finish:
I stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and cheesy. If it gets too thick, I loosen it with a splash of broth or milk. I taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
I scoop it into bowls and top each serving with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a beautiful and flavorful finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. From start to finish, it takes about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Variations
Add protein: I sometimes stir in cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or even white beans for extra heartiness.
Vegan version: I swap the cream for unsweetened plant-based milk and either skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Add greens: A few handfuls of spinach or chopped kale stirred in during the last 2–3 minutes adds nutrients and color.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
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FAQs
How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom?
I stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. A good non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot helps, too.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, I can use either, but I might need to adjust the liquid or cooking time slightly, as different pastas absorb moisture differently.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it ahead and reheat it. Just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
What if I don’t have cream?
Half & half or even whole milk works in a pinch. It won’t be as rich, but still creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze this pasta?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.
Conclusion
This one pot creamy tomato pasta is my go-to for a quick, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and full of flavor—and I love how easy it is to make it my own with add-ins and variations.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, broth, and pasta. It cooks all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. If using onions, cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, cream, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Customize by adding cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or white beans.
Make it vegan by using plant-based milk and skipping the Parmesan or using nutritional yeast.
Add greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
