Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Short Description

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal made with simple ingredients. A rich, velvety tomato sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese coats tender pasta, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more convenience.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Rich and Creamy – A luscious tomato-based sauce with a silky texture.
• Family-Friendly – A comforting dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Customizable – Add protein or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Heavy cream
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the Garlic – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the Pasta – Pour in the dry pasta and stir to coat. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
4. Make it Creamy – Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and well combined.
5. Serve – Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations

• Add Protein – Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
• Make it Vegetarian – Use vegetable broth and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Extra Cheesy – Stir in shredded mozzarella for a richer texture.
• Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Blanch, peel, and blend fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well, but spaghetti can also be used.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add extra broth or reserved pasta water to thin it out as needed.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

5. How do I make this sauce more flavorful?

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

7. What can I serve with this pasta?

Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted vegetables complement it well.

8. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a bit of cornstarch to thicken it.

9. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat gently with extra liquid.

10. How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the cooking process.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the perfect quick-fix meal for busy nights. With its creamy, rich tomato sauce and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free dinner!

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