Discovering the Perfect Weeknight Meal

My Favorite is Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta and One evening, I was standing in my kitchen, wondering what to make for dinner. It had been a long day, and I didn’t want to spend too much time cooking or cleaning up. That’s when I remembered a recipe I once tried—Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat. I smiled at the thought of tossing everything into one pot and having a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Gathering Simple Ingredients

I opened my pantry and fridge, gathering everything I needed: pasta, a can of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and cream. I didn’t have to worry about fancy ingredients. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. As I chopped the garlic and heated some olive oil in the pot, I could already imagine the rich aroma filling the kitchen. It felt good to know that something so tasty could come from such basic ingredients.

Cooking Everything in One Pot

Once the garlic started to sizzle, I added the tomatoes and a splash of cream. The sauce quickly turned into a beautiful, creamy pink. Then came the pasta, uncooked but ready to absorb all the flavors as it simmered in the sauce. Stirring it occasionally, I watched as the noodles softened and soaked up that delicious tomato mixture. The best part was knowing that I wouldn’t have a pile of dishes waiting for me afterward.

Enjoying the Comfort of Home Cooking

After about 20 minutes, my Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta was done. I sprinkled some fresh basil and a bit of parmesan cheese on top before taking my first bite. The taste was just as I had hoped—rich, creamy, and comforting. It reminded me of the joy of simple home-cooked meals, and how sometimes the easiest recipes can be the most satisfying. With each bite, I felt the day’s stress melt away.

Chef’s Notes-Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta

Short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle work best because they hold the sauce well. Avoid long noodles, as they won’t cook evenly in a one-pot method.
Depending on your pasta type, it may absorb liquid faster than expected. Have extra broth or water on hand to adjust the consistency if it gets too dry.
Stirring the pasta occasionally while it cooks ensures even cooking and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
If the sauce feels too thick after adding the cheeses, thin it out with a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired creamy texture.
Season at different stages—when sautéing, before simmering, and after adding the cheese. This ensures the flavors develop in layers.
Including sun-dried tomatoes gives the sauce a richer depth of flavor. You can omit them for a milder taste, but they add a nice contrast to the creaminess.
Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch and brightens the presentation. It also enhances the flavor with a hint of earthiness.

Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta

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Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Resting Time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Dive into this delightful Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta! It’s a breeze to whip up, with everything cooking in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines rich tomato flavors with creamy cheese, making it a family favorite. Inspired by the simplicity and deliciousness of home-cooked meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic minced
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1 tablespoon concentrated tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
Liquids and Pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
12 ounces short pasta shapes (like rotini or farfalle)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cheeses and Garnish
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta (or mascarpone for extra creaminess)
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Directions

Incorporate Tomato Base – Stir in the concentrated tomato paste and dried Italian herbs. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook Pasta – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-15 minutes. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and looks dry, add a bit more broth as needed.
Finish with Cheese – Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (or ricotta/mascarpone). Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
Rest and Serve – Let the pasta sit for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley if desired.