Maya Chen
Silky, savory tomato sauce coats tender pasta—all made in one pot for a fuss-free, comforting meal, ready in under 30 minutes!
Recipe Snapshot
- 🍽️ Serves: 4
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- 💰 Cost Estimate: $1.70 per serving
Clever Tip:
Reserve a splash of pasta water to adjust sauce texture at the end—makes it extra creamy and silky!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No boiling or draining—one pot is all you need
- Creamy, savory, and ultra comforting
- Easy on busy nights—ready in under 30 minutes
- Customizable: add spinach, chicken, or cheese
- Delicious as leftovers; reheats beautifully
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Short or long shapes; pick your favorite (penne, rotini, spaghetti)
- Crushed tomatoes: Base of silky sauce; use fire-roasted for more depth
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps pasta cook
- Heavy cream or plant cream: For richness and silkiness
- Garlic & onion: Classic aromatics for savory backbone
- Optional: spinach, cooked chicken, grated Parmesan for extra nutrition and flavor
Ingredients
- ▢ 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, spaghetti)
- ▢ 1 can (14oz) crushed tomatoes
- ▢ 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ▢ 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- ▢ 1 small onion, diced
- ▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- ▢ 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- ▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add pasta, crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring mixture to a boil, cover, and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Uncover, add cream and spinach if using. Stir and cook 3–5 more minutes, until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy. Add extra water if needed.
- Turn off heat, stir in Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with more cheese and fresh herbs.
Helpful Tips
- Stir every few minutes so pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick
- Add veggies or cooked chicken for a heartier meal
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen up leftovers before reheating
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky flavor
- Coconut cream makes it dairy-free and just as creamy
- Pair with a big salad or roasted veggies for balance
Meal Prep & Freezing Tips
- Prep Ahead: Make a double batch—pasta stays great in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Storage: Airtight containers keep leftovers moist and creamy
- Freezing: Freeze, thaw, and reheat gently with splash of water for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes—just monitor for texture as it cooks!
- Is this vegetarian? Use veggie broth and skip the chicken add-in
- Other ways to serve? Top with roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or crunchy breadcrumbs
- How do I make it extra creamy? Add extra cream, cheese, or even a scoop of ricotta at the end
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta brings easy comfort and classic flavor to your table without the hassle—make it tonight and enjoy every bite!
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
The ultimate weeknight dinner: Max flavor, zero fuss, and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, spaghetti
- 1 can 14oz crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan optional
*Ingredient costs are estimated based on bulk purchasing and typical grocery prices and may vary.
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the dry pasta and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally (every 3-4 minutes) to prevent sticking.
- Finish Creamy: Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among 4 containers for meal prep, or serve immediately. Top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Clever Tip
For a creamy vegan option, swap the cream cheese for a homemade cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water) or half a can of full-fat coconut milk.
Meal Prep Notes
- Storage: Store cooled pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The sauce may thicken significantly when chilled. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to return it to a creamy consistency.
