Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot wonder combines the rich flavors of tomatoes and cream with pasta for a satisfying dish that requires minimal cleanup.

Naomi Clarke

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:09:33.400Z

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a lifesaver for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The creamy tomato sauce envelops the pasta perfectly, making every bite a burst of flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce that comforts the soul
  • Minimal cleanup with just one pot to wash
  • Quick cooking time, perfect for busy weekdays

A Comforting Meal for Any Night

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. The creamy tomato sauce envelops the pasta beautifully, creating a dish that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the soul. Whether you're winding down after a long day or gathering with family, this recipe is a hit that everyone will love.

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Add in some cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables to elevate the dish further. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Simple Steps for Delicious Results

This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. By cooking everything in one pot, you save time and reduce cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The process is straightforward—just sauté the onions and garlic, combine the ingredients, and let the pasta cook to perfection. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade meal.

Another great aspect is that the entire dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes. This means you can whip up a delicious dinner even on the busiest of evenings. The one-pot method ensures that the pasta absorbs all the flavors from the sauce, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and flavorful.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're looking for meal prep ideas, Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a fantastic choice. You can prepare a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy a comforting meal in no time.

Additionally, this dish freezes well, making it a great option for those busy weeks when cooking from scratch isn't feasible. Simply portion it out into airtight containers, and you’ll have delicious, homemade pasta ready to go whenever you need it.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Combine all ingredients in the pot for a delicious and easy meal!

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano. Stir well to combine.

Cook the Pasta

Add the penne pasta to the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Season and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta with a side salad or garlic bread!

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the flavors of your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, consider serving it with a side salad or some garlic bread. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the pasta nicely, while garlic bread adds that extra touch of comfort and indulgence.

For a more gourmet experience, pair the dish with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The acidity and crispness of the wine can cut through the creaminess of the sauce, creating a balanced dining experience.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce's consistency and keep the pasta moist. This way, you won’t lose any of the delightful creamy texture that makes this dish so appealing.

If you prefer to freeze the pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Yes, whole wheat pasta will work well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use vegetable broth.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even canned chickpeas would be great additions.

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot wonder combines the rich flavors of tomatoes and cream with pasta for a satisfying dish that requires minimal cleanup.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Naomi Clarke

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pasta

  1. 12 oz penne pasta
  2. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  3. 1 cup vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 medium onion, chopped
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 2 tbsp olive oil
  8. 1 tsp dried basil
  9. 1 tsp dried oregano
  10. Salt and pepper to taste
  11. Parmesan cheese for serving
  12. Fresh basil for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano. Stir well to combine.

Step 03

Add the penne pasta to the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Once the pasta is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 10g