Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Whip up a deliciously comforting dish with this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy, tangy pasta dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Featuring rich tomatoes, hearty pasta, and a blend of savory seasonings, it's a family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ainsley Harper

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2025-11-27T08:37:42.079Z

This creamy tomato pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but easy to prepare.

Creamy and Flavorful

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings comfort and joy to your kitchen. The creamy sauce, enriched with tangy tomatoes, coats the pasta beautifully, creating a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more. The use of heavy cream adds a luxurious touch, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With everything cooked in a single pot, it minimizes both cooking and cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy the meal instead of stressing over the dishes. Each ingredient contributes to the vibrant taste profile, making even the simplest of meals feel gourmet.

Versatile Ingredients

This recipe is highly versatile. While it calls for basic pantry staples like pasta, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream, you can easily customize it to your liking. Consider adding fresh vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost, or incorporate proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling dish. The possibilities are endless, making this creamy tomato pasta adaptable to any dietary preference.

Moreover, the seasoning choices also allow for experimentation. Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swap the basil for fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. This adaptability ensures that you can enjoy this dish in multiple ways, keeping your family excited about dinner time.

Perfect for Busy Nights

On busy weeknights when time is limited, this one-pot recipe stands out as a lifesaver. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in around 30 minutes. Whether you're coming home from a long day at work or need to whip something up before evening activities, this dish allows for a stress-free cooking experience.

Moreover, its hearty nature means it provides the necessary comfort and satisfaction after a hectic day. It's the kind of meal that not only nourishes but also brings the family together around the table, fostering connections and conversations during dinner time.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before starting:

Ingredients

  • 200g pasta of your choice
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make 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 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced.

Add Cream and Serve

Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, make sure to use a large enough pot that can accommodate the pasta and liquid without overflowing. Stir the pasta once or twice while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the cream, allowing it to reduce to your desired consistency.

Also, consider fresh ingredients for a brighter flavor. Using fresh basil instead of dried can elevate the dish even further. If you have access to fresh tomatoes, you can use them instead of canned for a garden-fresh taste that shines in every bite.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover creamy tomato pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge. Microwave in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warmed through.

For a quick meal prep option, consider doubling the recipe and freezing portions for later use. This way, you can enjoy homemade comfort food without the cooking hassle on another busy night. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Whip up a deliciously comforting dish with this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy, tangy pasta dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Featuring rich tomatoes, hearty pasta, and a blend of savory seasonings, it's a family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Ainsley Harper

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 200g pasta of your choice
  2. 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  3. 2 cups vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 teaspoon dried basil
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Grated 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 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil.

Step 02

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced.

Step 03

Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 13g