Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal
Life gets busy, right? We all need those meals that come together fast. This easy one pot creamy tomato pasta is seriously a lifesaver. It’s incredibly simple. You get that amazing creamy tomato flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! My grandma always said good food doesn’t need fuss. This recipe truly honors that. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Or really, any day you need comfort food fast.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this dish! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Super quick prep time.
- Minimal dishes to wash afterward.
- Rich, satisfying creamy tomato taste.
- A hit with the whole family.
- Always leaves everyone feeling happy and full.
A Taste of Home: Clara’s Kitchen Philosophy for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This recipe feels like a warm hug from my grandma’s kitchen. At 911Recipes, we believe delicious food should be simple. Clara Kohn, our founder, started this because she knew life is hectic. She wanted to make cooking joyful, not stressful. This creamy tomato pasta dish is exactly that. It’s made with love. It proves you don’t need fancy tricks. Just simple ingredients and a little heart deliver amazing flavor. It’s comfort food made easy for everyone.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Let’s get our kitchen ready for this amazing dish! Gathering ingredients is the first fun step. We want everything to be super easy to find. You probably already have most of these. This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple items. That’s what makes it so great for busy nights.
You’ll need:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne or rotini work wonderfully.
- One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
- 4 cups of chicken broth. Vegetable broth works too!
- 1 cup of creamy heavy cream.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Salt and black pepper, just to your taste.

Ingredient Notes and Simple Substitutions
Choosing the right pasta really matters here! I love using penne or rotini. They hold onto the creamy sauce so well. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, definitely swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. It’s a simple change that keeps all the flavor. You can also use half-and-half if heavy cream is a bit too rich for you. It still gives a lovely creaminess. Don’t have Parmesan? A good quality Pecorino Romano works too. These little swaps mean you can make this dish your own!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is designed to be super easy. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. The best part? It all happens in just one pot. No complicated steps here. Just pure, simple deliciousness.
Combining Everything for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Grab your largest pot. Seriously, use the biggest one you have. Now, add your pasta, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Give it a quick stir to combine.

Simmering to Perfection: The Magic of Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir it now and then so nothing sticks. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat right down. Cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally. This lets the pasta cook perfectly. It also helps the sauce get wonderfully thick and creamy. For more tips on cooking pasta, check out this guide on cooking pasta.
Finishing Touches for Your Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
After simmering, the pasta should be tender. The sauce should be rich and coating everything beautifully. Give it one last stir. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. This little taste test is key. It makes sure the flavor is just right for you. Then, it’s ready to serve!

Tips for Success with Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Want to make this dish absolutely perfect every time? A few simple tricks help a lot. Always use a large pot; it prevents splatters. Stirring occasionally is key during simmering. This stops the pasta from clumping. It also ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on the heat. If it’s too high, the pasta can cook too fast or burn. If it’s too low, it might not cook through. Getting the heat just right is important. This helps create that lovely, creamy texture we all crave. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning at the end!
Serving Suggestions for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This creamy tomato pasta is a meal in itself. But a few extras make it even better! I love topping it with fresh basil or parsley. It adds a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts, either! For a heartier meal, try serving it with a simple side salad. A crusty bread for dipping into that delicious sauce is also a fantastic idea. It really elevates the whole dining experience. You might also enjoy our fennel orange salad for a refreshing side.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your pasta cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do it gently. A little splash of milk or broth can help revive the creamy sauce. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. This prevents it from sticking or becoming dry. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Got questions about this quick dinner? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this pasta recipe vegan?
Yes, you absolutely can! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. And be sure to use vegetable broth. It’s a delicious vegan one pot pasta option! For more vegan ideas, check out our vegan pumpkin hummus.
What other vegetables can I add to this one pot pasta?
Feel free to toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering. Diced zucchini or bell peppers are also great additions. Add them in step one with the pasta and tomatoes. You might also like our sheet pan gnocchi with vegetables.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the one pot method?
Stirring occasionally while it simmers is key. This helps cook the pasta evenly. Also, try not to over-simmer. Cook it just until the pasta is al dente. It will continue to soften slightly as it sits.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Cooking at home is so rewarding! It’s also great to have an idea of what you’re eating. This information is based on standard ingredient amounts. It’s an estimate, of course. Your results might vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use. But it gives you a good ballpark figure for this tasty dish.
Here’s a general idea per serving:
- Calories: Around 500
- Fat: Roughly 20g
- Saturated Fat: About 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: About 65g
- Fiber: Around 4g
- Sugar: Roughly 8g
- Protein: Near 15g
- Sodium: Around 700mg
- Cholesterol: About 60mg
Wonderful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up a delicious and creamy tomato pasta dish in just one pot, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine pasta, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and garlic powder in a large pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for added protein.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
