Creamy One-Pot Tomato Pasta
A quick and easy one-pot tomato pasta recipe that delivers creamy, comforting flavors in under 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes and 3 cups broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Start with a light seasoning.
- Add 8 ounces of dry pasta to the skillet, pressing it down so it is mostly submerged. Let it sit for a minute without stirring.
- Stir gently after a minute, then let the pasta simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness around 12 minutes; it should be al dente. If too firm, cook 2–3 minutes longer, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped fresh basil leaves, stir, and turn off the heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or basil if desired.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer uncovered. Use fresh Parmesan for best melting. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used but watch cooking times.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups per s
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 14
Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy tomato pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal