How to Make the Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Italian-American · Easy · 15 min · 2 servings
This one pot creamy tomato pasta cooks the pasta directly in the sauce for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup in just 15 minutes. A quick and brilliant method that produces an incredibly rich and creamy result with only one pan to wash.
Why this recipe works
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 500 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1.5 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Everything in One Pot
Add pasta crushed tomatoes broth garlic and Italian seasoning all into a single large pot or deep skillet. Stir well to combine everything together before turning on the heat.
Step 2: Boil and Cook
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat then reduce to a vigorous simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 11 minutes stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the pasta.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream
When pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed stir in heavy cream and cook for one more minute until the sauce turns a beautiful creamy pink color.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve directly from the pot with parmesan on top and a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan dairy-free version
- vegetable broth → water with a half teaspoon of bouillon paste for a quick pantry fix
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring frequently enough during cooking which causes the pasta to stick to the bottom of the pot and burn
- Adding too much liquid initially which results in a watery rather than creamy sauce that does not cling to the pasta
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 500 calories, 15g protein, 67g carbs, 18g fat, 5g fiber.
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