Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Because everything cooks in one pot, the pasta soaks up all the flavors of the sauce, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and can be dressed up with add-ins like veggies, chicken, or shrimp.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite short pasta)

• Olive oil

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt and black pepper

• Italian seasoning or fresh basil

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.

2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

3. Add pasta directly into the pot and stir well. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

4. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes creamy.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or extra cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.

• Vegetarian Option: Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Extra Creamy: Replace some broth with more cream or mascarpone cheese.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

• Vegan Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta works—penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or shells are ideal.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed?

Yes, but the sauce will be chunkier. You can blend them if you prefer smooth sauce.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir often while cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, use milk, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free substitute.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and adjust cooking time slightly.

How do I make it richer?

Add a tablespoon of butter before stirring in the cream.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for half the pasta’s cook time, then stir in cream and cheese after.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and monitor cooking time.

What herbs go best with this recipe?

Basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme all pair beautifully with tomato pasta.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

Conclusion

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that delivers comfort in every bite. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy bowl of pasta

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