One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

The beauty of this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is in how simple it is, yet it delivers so much flavor with minimal effort. The creamy tomato sauce envelops each noodle, creating a rich and comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The garlic and onions sautéed to golden perfection form the base, adding that savory depth that makes every bite irresistible. As the pasta simmers in the sauce, it absorbs all those wonderful flavors, soaking them up like a sponge.

What I love most about this recipe is how everything comes together in one pot. No extra pots, no extra mess—just one glorious, creamy meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. The sauce thickens as it simmers, thanks to the cream and a touch of parmesan, giving it that silky, indulgent texture that makes you want to twirl your fork again and again.

If you’re craving a bit more flavor, a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes brings a lovely brightness and a hint of heat. And honestly, if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking a bite straight from the pot. That’s the magic of a dish like this—it’s comfort, it’s indulgence, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes you fall in love with cooking all over again.

Key Ingredients in One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Every ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building the rich, flavorful sauce and creating that satisfying creamy texture. From the pasta to the final garnish of fresh basil, these ingredients work together to make the magic happen.

• Pasta: The heart of this dish. I like to use a hearty pasta like penne or rigatoni that holds onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite type. As the pasta simmers in the sauce, it absorbs all those delicious flavors, making every bite extra special.
• Olive Oil: Just a touch of olive oil adds a layer of richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural sweetness and savory depth.
• Onion: Diced finely, the onion creates a sweet, savory base for the sauce. When sautéed, it adds that aromatic foundation that takes the flavor of the dish to the next level.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is a must in any savory dish! It’s warm and fragrant, and once it hits the hot oil, it infuses the whole sauce with a burst of flavor that makes everything even more irresistible.
• Dried Basil: This herb is a key flavor in classic Italian cooking, lending that sweet, peppery, and slightly minty taste. It pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce.
• Dried Oregano: Oregano brings an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and adds that unmistakable Italian touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, giving the dish a slight kick without overpowering the other flavors. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of warmth.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, giving the sauce its bright, tomato-forward flavor. It’s the base of our sauce, adding both texture and depth.
• Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness is what gives the sauce its rich, deep flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato taste.
• Chicken Broth: The chicken broth is the key to creating a luscious, flavorful sauce. It helps simmer the pasta while adding an extra layer of savory depth to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what turns this dish into a luxurious, creamy delight. It makes the sauce smooth and silky, balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes and adding that indulgent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty, and savory punch. As it melts into the sauce, it enhances the creaminess and rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for enhancing the flavors and bringing everything together. It helps elevate the other ingredients, making them shine.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice, giving the dish that little extra bit of seasoning to round out the flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: The fresh basil at the end isn’t just for looks! It adds a burst of fresh, fragrant flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the creamy sauce and adds a pop of color to the dish.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Pair with a Fresh Green Salad: The richness of the creamy tomato pasta is perfectly balanced by a light, crisp salad. I love tossing together some mixed greens, a few slices of cucumber, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess and add a refreshing crunch. It’s the ideal side to round out the meal without feeling too heavy.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: You simply can’t go wrong with a side of garlic bread! The buttery, garlicky crunch is the perfect complement to the smooth, velvety sauce. Trust me, you’ll be dipping that bread into every last bit of sauce left in your bowl, and that’s the best part!
• Top with Extra Parmesan and Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the top right before serving. A few more leaves of fresh basil wouldn’t hurt either! These finishing touches add an aromatic burst and bring the dish to life, making it look as good as it tastes.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a breeze. To keep it as fresh as possible, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before storing it. You don’t want to trap heat in your storage container, as it can make the pasta soggy when reheated.

For the best results, place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day. Just make sure you reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s a bit thickened up, you can add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and bring it back to that creamy, dreamy texture.

If you’re looking to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the creamy tomato pasta. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, making sure there’s a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it as usual. The pasta might lose a bit of its texture after freezing, but it will still taste just as comforting and delicious.

Conclusion

And there you have it! This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is everything you could want in a meal—easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The creamy sauce, infused with savory garlic, sweet onions, and fragrant herbs, clings to every piece of pasta, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds—and maybe even thirds (I know I always do)!

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is bound to impress. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll be treating yourself to even more goodness the next day.

I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do! If you’ve got any questions, need a little help along the way, or just want to share your thoughts after trying the recipe, I’d love to hear from you. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so let me know how it goes, and don’t forget to add your personal touch to make it your own!

Print Recipe

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Rich, velvety, and comforting, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta combines the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and creamy sauce. All cooked together in one pot, it’s a quick, hassle-free dish that brings cozy, satisfying flavors to every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 ounces pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• ¹⁄₄ cup tomato paste

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, making sure it doesn't burn.
4. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring them into the onions and garlic.
5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and add the tomato paste.
6. Stir the mixture to combine everything well, then cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to incorporate the tomato mixture with the broth.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
9. Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid.
10. Reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
11. While the pasta is cooking, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
12. Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to create a creamy sauce.
13. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until it melts into the sauce, making the pasta even creamier.
14. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
15. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
16. Serve the creamy tomato pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Note

• For aIf freshly to-gr sticking dish for a couple of minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and enhances the flavor.

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