One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta: Your Quick & Cozy Dinner Solution

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe: Quick Comfort Meal!

Introduction

Few dishes satisfy cravings for warmth and comfort quite like a rich, creamy pasta—but who wants to deal with a pile of pots? This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is your answer: a quick, hearty meal that brings together luscious tomato flavor, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in a single pan. It’s a weeknight dinner hero that guarantees fewer dirty dishes and more time spent enjoying a comforting, crowd-pleasing plate of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

What makes this pasta the ultimate comfort food is its magical blend of robust tomato sauce, gentle creaminess, and al dente noodles—cooked together in harmony to absorb every bit of flavor. The simplicity of using only one pot means easy prep and speedy cleanup, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying home-cooked meal with minimal fuss.

Secrets to a Silky, Creamy Sauce

The key is to sauté fresh garlic and onions until golden, then allow the tomato sauce and broth to mingle with the dry pasta so everything cooks together, releasing starch that thickens the sauce naturally. A splash of cream (or dairy-free alternative) stirred in just before serving brings it all together, creating a silky, restaurant-quality finish. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh basil for extra flavor.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Begin by heating a pot with a dash of olive oil. Once aromatics are sizzling, stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs. Add the pasta and enough broth to cover—then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and a luscious sauce has formed. Stir in cream and cheese, taste for seasoning, and serve right from the pot.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Meal

Pair this creamy tomato pasta with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parmesan, ribbons of fresh basil, or a drizzle of chili oil for a little kick. It’s comforting enough to stand alone, but easy to personalize with roasted veggies or grilled chicken stirred in for extra protein.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves approximately 4, with each portion offering about 400-450 calories (depending on cream and cheese amount used). Enjoy it as a balanced, satisfying dinner—without the heaviness of cream-based sauces or the time investment of multi-pan cooking.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta: Recap

This one pot wonder offers unbeatable flavor, silky sauce, and incredible ease—making it a go-to quick comfort meal that’s sure to delight friends and family alike.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Fresh basil, for garnish

💡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 stress-free meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  2. Add the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute. Mix in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in the dry pasta and broth, ensuring pasta is just submerged. Stir well.
  4. Increase heat and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid absorbed.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream, then simmer uncovered for 2 minutes until sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve hot, topped with parmesan and fresh basil as desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is perfect for meal prepping or quickly inserting into your weekly plan, ensuring dinner is never a hassle. Save and schedule this recipe to auto-generate a streamlined shopping list and plan out your meal calendar for the week.

Planning Benefits:

  • Consolidates overlapping ingredients across your planned meals—no more overbuying pasta or cream!
  • Sorts your grocery list by store section for ultra-efficient shopping trips
  • Automatically calculates exact quantities needed, reducing food waste
  • Simplifies weekly meal prep and helps you stick to your meal plan

Pro tip: Schedule your weekly dinners—like this pasta and other favorites—to have CookifyAI run the math for you and keep every meal organized, tasty, and on track.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Enjoy a comforting classic with the ease of one pot and the rich, creamy flavor that makes every dinner a special occasion!

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