One Pot Wonder: Creamy Tomato Pasta Made Easy

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Introduction

If you’re seeking a comforting, satisfying meal that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the answer. In just one pot, you’ll whip up a lusciously creamy tomato sauce that clings to tender pasta—making both prep and cleanup a breeze. This quick and hearty recipe is ideal for busy nights or spontaneous dinner guests, offering the kind of creamy, tangy flavor that everyone craves.

Why Make This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?

This easy pasta recipe stands out for its incredible simplicity and comforting taste profile. By using only one pot, you save time and energy while still creating a rich, velvety sauce from pantry staples. The result is restaurant-quality flavor at home, perfect for weeknight family dinners or to impress friends with minimal effort.

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Tomato Sauce

The secret to this creamy tomato pasta is simmering the pasta directly in a mixture of tomatoes, broth, and cream. This technique allows the starch from the pasta to naturally thicken the sauce, resulting in a rich, luxurious texture without the need for complicated steps or extra pans. Add in a bit of parmesan and fresh basil for a finish that’s both bright and indulgent.

Effortless Cooking, Maximum Flavor

Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning the pasta soaks up the tangy-sweet flavors of the tomatoes and the comforting creaminess of the sauce. Garlic and Italian herbs add depth, while a splash of cream ties it all together. It’s a fail-safe option for even novice cooks, and the cream and tomatoes provide a beautifully balanced flavor that always satisfies.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Pasta

Serve your one pot creamy tomato pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a handful of torn basil leaves. For a complete meal, add a crisp green salad or warm bread on the side. You can also toss in sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken for a protein boost—a great option for feeding a hungry crowd or stretching leftovers into another meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This one pot creamy tomato pasta recipe serves 4 generously. Each serving provides about 350-400 calories, depending on added proteins or cheese. You’ll get a good balance of carbs and healthy fats, plus extra vitamins from the tomatoes and herbs. It’s a comforting indulgence that still fits into a balanced weekly meal plan.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta (Recap)

With its rich, creamy texture and boldly tangy tomato flavor, this pasta is a go-to solution when you want satisfying comfort in minimal time. The one-pot technique makes for easy prep, reliable results, and quick cleanup—a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet flavorful creamy tomato pasta recipes.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for lighter option)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or a blend)
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir again. Make sure pasta is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and most of the parmesan cheese (reserve a little for topping). Simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and thickened to your liking.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle with remaining parmesan and fresh basil before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This creamy tomato pasta recipe is a great addition to your weekly meal plan—not only is it simple to prepare, but leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or quick dinners. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan in CookifyAI. The app will generate smart shopping lists, consolidate similar ingredients from all your planned recipes, and help you stay organized.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
  • Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
  • Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten items
  • Makes weekly meal prep faster and stress-free

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule your recipes to see exactly how many pantry staples or proteins you need in total. Less waste, more flavor, and reliable results every time!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

With this one pot creamy tomato pasta, making delicious, creamy tomato pasta recipes has never been easier—saving you time at every step from shopping to cleanup!

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