Creamy Tomato Pasta in One Pot: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Food 🍝🍅✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than this creamy tomato pasta recipe. This tomato pasta dish combines rich, velvety sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, all prepared in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this one pot pasta ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
3. How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta in One Pot
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and measure out the pasta, garlic, onion, and crushed tomatoes. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot along with enough water or broth to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free). Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and well-incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, creamy tomato pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
4. Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Use good quality canned crushed tomatoes for richer flavor.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of cream for a thicker or lighter sauce.
- Make ahead and reheat for quick leftovers.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens.
6. Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of creamy chicken pot pie soup or olive garden vegetable soup.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this creamy tomato pasta vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese. Also, ensure your pasta is egg-free.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinners.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional profile and flavor.
8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Make chopping garlic, onion, and herbs effortless, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Ideal for prepping double batches in advance for busy days.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even heat distribution and easy cleanup for your pasta cooking.
9. Conclusion
This creamy tomato pasta recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Its rich, velvety sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this tomato pasta in one pot is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it today and indulge in a bowl of pure comfort!
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Creamy Tomato Pasta in One Pot
A simple yet flavorful creamy tomato pasta cooked entirely in one pot, combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, garnished with fresh basil.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked pasta and cover the pot. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan version.
- For added protein, include cooked chicken or sausage.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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