There’s something truly magical about a one-pot meal, and my One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is no exception! It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, I’ve been there—juggling kids, work, and the ever-growing to-do list. This pasta dish has become my go-to solution for quick dinners that still feel special.
Picture this: the creamy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, with bright tomatoes and aromatic herbs making every bite a delight. What I love most is how simple it is. You toss everything into one pot, let it simmer, and voila—dinner is served! It’s a dish that makes my family gather around the table, and I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that warmth, too.
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To whip up this delightful One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta: I usually go for short pasta like penne or fusilli, which hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth: This adds a depth of flavor and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: This is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture that you’ll love.
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes: You can use fire-roasted for an extra kick!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
- 1 tsp dried basil: A must for that classic Italian taste.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a lovely aroma to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust to your taste!
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to give it a little zing.
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese: For that cheesy finish that brings everything together.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: This is for sautéing the garlic and adds richness.
How to Prepare One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Cooking this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar in no time! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
First, grab a large pot and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant—careful not to let it burn, or it’ll turn bitter!
Next, pour in the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and those lovely diced tomatoes, then give it a good stir. This is where the magic begins! Now, it’s time to add your pasta along with the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated and submerged in the liquid.
Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to keep an eye on your pasta, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat.
Finally, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s melted and beautifully creamy. The cheese adds that extra touch of flavor and richness that makes this dish so irresistible. Serve it hot, and watch your family dive in!
Tips for Cooking Perfect Pasta
To achieve that perfect al dente pasta, make sure to start checking it a minute or two before the package directions say it should be done. You want it to have a slight bite—just enough to hold its shape in the creamy sauce. When you add the pasta to the pot, stir it gently but thoroughly to prevent clumping. This ensures that each piece is coated in that luscious sauce, making every bite a delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with family or friends!
- Flavorful: The creamy tomato sauce combined with herbs makes every bite a taste sensation.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A satisfying meal that even non-vegetarians will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add veggies or proteins to suit your cravings!
Nutritional Information for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! Each serving is estimated to have around 450 calories, making it a satisfying meal without going overboard. You’ll find about 22 grams of fat, with 12 grams being saturated fat, which comes from that rich heavy cream and parmesan cheese. It also packs in 12 grams of protein, perfect for keeping you full, and around 50 grams of carbs to give you that energy boost. Plus, there’s 4 grams of fiber to help with digestion. Of course, these values can vary based on your exact ingredients, but it’s a pretty good ballpark for a tasty dinner!
FAQ about One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Got questions about this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries!
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using penne or fusilli, feel free to swap in your favorite short pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes can vary.
Q2: What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No problem! You can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Just remember, broth adds that extra layer of flavor, so try to use it if you can.
Q3: How can I make this dish a bit spicier?
A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick! Stir them in with the herbs for a delightful kick.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it on the stove over low heat. This way, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a bit of broth to bring back that creamy texture. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick to the pot! Microwave works too, but stovetop is best for maintaining that delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To make your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta even more delightful, consider pairing it with a few simple sides that elevate the meal! A crisp, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, some warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce—yum! And for those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top just before serving can take this dish to a whole new level. Enjoy!
Learn more about the nutritional benefits of tomatoes
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One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
This one-pot creamy tomato pasta is simple, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
- Add pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: one-pot, creamy tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner