If you’ve ever dreamed of a rich, velvety pasta dish that comes together effortlessly in just one pot, you’re about to fall in love with this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe. This cozy, flavorful meal combines tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all simmered together, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without all the fuss. It’s the perfect dish for anyone who loves comfort food but values simplicity and speed in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple is part of the charm here, and each element brings an essential layer of flavor, texture, or color. From the sweetness of onions to the richness of cream cheese, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
- Olive oil: This is the foundation for sautéing and adds a fruity richness to the dish.
- Small onion (chopped): Offers gentle sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (minced): Packs a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the entire recipe.
- Sundried tomatoes (chopped, optional): Adds an intense, chewy burst of tomato flavor and a lovely color contrast.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato goodness, intensifying the sauce’s richness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that rounds out the tomato base beautifully.
- Chicken stock or water: Creates the perfect cooking liquid to soften the pasta while infusing subtle savory notes.
- Can of diced tomatoes (undrained): Introduces juicy, fresh tomato chunks that keep the sauce vibrant and chunky.
- Short pasta shapes (like spirals or bow ties): Their nooks and curves hold the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Salt & pepper: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- Cream cheese (or ricotta, mascarpone, etc.): Provides silky creaminess, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Chopped flat leaf parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and if you’re using them, sundried tomatoes. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic releases its inviting aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation that your sauce will blossom from.
Step 2: Enhance with Tomato and Herbs
Next, stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture cook for another minute to deepen the flavors and allow the herbs and tomato paste to meld perfectly with the onion and garlic. You’ll start noticing the kitchen filling with that irresistible tomatoey scent that hints at the delicious meal ahead.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken stock along with the diced tomatoes, including their juices. Then, add your short pasta shapes and season everything with salt and pepper. This is the magic moment where all ingredients come together to cook simultaneously, saving time and effort.
Step 4: Simmer to Tender Perfection
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the pasta – it should be cooked through in 10 to 15 minutes. If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is tender, don’t hesitate to add a little more broth or water to keep everything perfectly saucy.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat. Fold in the grated Parmesan and cream cheese, letting the residual heat melt them smoothly into the sauce. Let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken and develop that irresistibly creamy texture that really sets this dish apart.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped flat leaf parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also introduces a gentle peppery freshness. You can also consider extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to make each serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to be enjoyed solo, but if you want to round out the meal, crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent companions. Their fresh and crunchy textures form a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual dinner, serve the One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe straight from the pot at the center of the table, inviting everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, twirling the pasta onto individual plates and topping with a little more cheese and fresh herbs creates a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a quick stir or splash of milk before reheating will restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but be mindful that the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little water, broth, or milk as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious creaminess so this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe tastes just like when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version that is just as flavorful and creamy.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pasta shapes such as spirals, bow ties, or penne work best because their curves and nooks hold the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
Can I use other cheeses besides cream cheese?
Definitely. Ricotta, mascarpone, or even a mild goat cheese will add creaminess and a subtle tang. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Of course! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits work wonderfully added either at the end or as a topping to boost the meal’s heartiness.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe truly shines as a quick, comforting, and deeply satisfying meal that turns everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the cozy, rich flavors that make it one of my all-time favorite go-to dinners. It’s a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect any night of the week.
Print
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features a blend of savory onions, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning enhanced by creamy Parmesan and cream cheese, creating a luscious dish that’s easy to prepare and cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- â…“ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (12-oz) box short pasta shapes (spirals or bow ties work great)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese (or ricotta, mascarpone, or other cream cheese alternatives; use more for extra creaminess)
- Chopped flat leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional sundried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning into the pot. Cook for another minute to deepen the flavors and allow the tomato paste to slightly caramelize.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken stock (or water) and the undrained canned diced tomatoes. Then add the pasta shapes along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or water if the pasta looks too dry before it is fully cooked.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and cream cheese until melted and the sauce turns creamy. Let the pasta sit for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped flat leaf parsley.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shapes like rotini, bow ties, or penne for the best texture.
- The sundried tomatoes add extra depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- Add extra cream cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end because Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.
