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
Scale
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.
