The Best Ever Creamy Tomato Pasta (One-Pan/One-Pot) – Comfort Food Perfection!

Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes, this One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is exactly what you need! This dish brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a luscious creamy texture, all cooked in one single pot.

Why is one-pot pasta such a game-changer?
✅ Minimal cleanup – One pot means fewer dishes to wash.
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Rich and creamy – Perfectly balanced tomato and cream sauce.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, protein, or make it dairy-free.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without the extra hassle. The pasta absorbs all the flavors directly in the pot, creating an incredibly rich and tasty dish. So let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this easy one-pot dish.

Basic Ingredients:

• Pasta – 2 cups (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
• Olive oil or butter – 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (for flavor)
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz)
• Vegetable or chicken broth – 2 cups (to cook the pasta)
• Heavy cream – ½ cup (for a creamy texture)
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
• Salt & black pepper – to taste

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

• Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (for heat)
• Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for extra nutrients)
• Chicken, shrimp, or tofu (for protein)
• Cream cheese – 2 tbsp (for an even silkier texture)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start, have everything ready.
✔ Chop the onions and mince the garlic.
✔ Measure out the pasta, broth, and seasonings.
✔ Grate the Parmesan cheese if using fresh.

Prepping ahead makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cooking the Base

1️⃣ Heat olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
3️⃣ Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

This base builds a rich depth of flavor for the sauce.

Step 3: Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings

1️⃣ Pour in the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes.
2️⃣ Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors.

This step is where the tangy, slightly sweet tomato taste comes through.

Step 4: Cooking the Pasta in the Same Pot

1️⃣ Add uncooked pasta directly to the pot.
2️⃣ Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine.
3️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

✔ The pasta absorbs the broth, making it ultra-flavorful.
✔ Stir often to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Making It Creamy

1️⃣ Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, lower the heat.
2️⃣ Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
3️⃣ Mix until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly.

🔥 Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Pasta

✔ Use high-quality tomatoes – They make a difference in flavor.
✔ Stir often – It prevents pasta from sticking.
✔ Let it rest for a few minutes before serving – The sauce thickens as it cools.
✔ Balance the acidity – If the sauce is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar.

Variations and Additions

🔹 Add Protein – Cook diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu before adding the pasta.
🔹 Make it Vegetarian – Throw in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
🔹 Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Gluten-Free Version – Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato pasta is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these pairings:

🍞 Garlic Bread – A crunchy, buttery side to soak up the sauce.
🥗 Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness and balance.
🍷 A Glass of Red Wine – Complements the rich, creamy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store:

• Let pasta cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat:

• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

🚫 Avoid freezing—the cream-based sauce may separate.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect combination of easy, quick, and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and endless variations, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best, but you can use spaghetti or fettuccine too. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

2. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Just undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.

5. What can I substitute for cream if I don’t have any?

Try milk, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.