Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This delightful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a weeknight favorite that combines rich, creamy sauce with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal in just one pot. Perfect for busy evenings, this gluten-free recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a family-pleasing dish your loved ones will ask for again and again. Simply toss everything together and enjoy the cozy, comforting taste of homemade pasta without the fuss!

Chloe Bennett

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2025-11-23T11:38:50.099Z

This delightful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a weeknight favorite that combines rich, creamy sauce with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal in just one pot.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious meal. With just one pot required, the cleanup is minimal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you're cooking for a family or just yourself, this dish offers rich flavors without the hassle of multiple cooking vessels. It's an excellent option for those who appreciate straightforward cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The creamy tomato sauce coats each piece of pasta, making every bite a delightful experience. Using canned diced tomatoes adds a burst of flavor, while the heavy cream gives it a luxurious texture that feels comforting and indulgent. This dish is not just about convenience; it's about satisfying your taste buds with a combination of freshness and richness that can be hard to resist.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best things about this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or use what you have on hand. Want to add some protein? Consider tossing in cooked chicken or shrimp. Vegetables can also be incorporated for an added nutritional boost—spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.

Moreover, if you're looking to reduce calories or substitute ingredients, consider using milk instead of heavy cream or whole grain pasta for a healthier version. The dish remains delicious and satisfying regardless of the modifications you choose, allowing you to create a meal that aligns perfectly with your dietary goals.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also an excellent candidate for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe, ensuring you have leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. When stored in the refrigerator, it retains its flavor and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner solution. Just be sure to store the basil separately until you're ready to serve to keep it fresh.

Utilizing one pot minimizes cooking time and maximizes flavor, making it easy to whip up for lunch or dinner when you're in a hurry. With its simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation, it's no wonder that this recipe has become a staple for those who love to cook ahead.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting meal.

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.

Add Pasta and Tomatoes

Stir in the pasta, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Add Cream

Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook until the pasta is al dente.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy your easy one pot meal!

Enjoy your meal!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

If you're looking for ways to tailor this recipe to fit your needs, consider using non-dairy alternatives for the heavy cream such as almond or coconut cream. These options can give your sauce a different flavor profile while still maintaining that creamy texture. You could substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.

Feel free to add herbs and spices beyond basil. Oregano, thyme, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish and add a unique twist to the classic flavors. Experimenting with ingredients can make this dish your own while still keeping it simple.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy tomato pasta with a crisp green salad for a light and balanced meal. A simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. Additionally, garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side provides the perfect vehicle for savoring any leftover sauce.

For a unique twist, consider incorporating a sprinkle of cheese, like Parmesan or mozzarella, on top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful texture contrast. Consider serving this dish with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience that feels both homey and special.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan pasta.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best for this recipe.

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

This delightful Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a weeknight favorite that combines rich, creamy sauce with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal in just one pot. Perfect for busy evenings, this gluten-free recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a family-pleasing dish your loved ones will ask for again and again. Simply toss everything together and enjoy the cozy, comforting taste of homemade pasta without the fuss!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Chloe Bennett

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4.0

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 12 oz pasta
  2. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 cup vegetable broth
  5. 1 onion, chopped
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Fresh basil for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.

Step 02

Stir in the pasta, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 03

Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook until the pasta is al dente.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy your easy one pot meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 15g