Say hello to a dinner hero: this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! It’s the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich tomato flavor, a touch of creaminess, and perfectly cooked pasta—all made in one pot.
No need for extra pans or fuss, making it a dream for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Pair this delightful pasta dish with a fresh and zesty Caprese Salad or a chilled glass of Iced Tea for a complete and satisfying meal.
I often make this when I want something hearty but don’t have the energy for multiple steps.
The magic happens as the pasta cooks in the same pot as the sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
This one-pot recipe is easy to customize, too—add fresh basil, spinach, or even some vegan parmesan to elevate it further. Let’s dive in and make something delicious!
What’s so Special About This Dish?
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot is all you need—easy to cook, easier to clean!
- Rich and Creamy: The tomato sauce is perfectly balanced with a touch of creaminess.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a win for the whole family.
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This creamy pasta dish combines hearty pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful meal. With Parmesan and cream cheese, it’s quick, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 15-oz oz can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 12-oz box short pasta spiral shaped
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cream cheese OR ricotta mascarpone… whatever you have on hand
- chopped flat leaf parsley optional
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes for 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cook for 1 more minute.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken stock, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Add diced tomatoes and pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Pasta: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if pasta looks dry.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and cream cheese (or ricotta). Let sit for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Optional: top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 538kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 81g |
| Fibre | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Customize Your Dish Using This!
- Vegan Twist: Substitute the cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables to introduce a pleasant heat that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Smoky Depth: Replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika or chipotle powder to add a smoky, bold flavor to the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the herb profile and enhance the overall fragrance of the dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to pack in extra veggies and boost the dish’s nutritional value.
- Chicken or Sausage: For a protein boost, add shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or crumbled sausage into the sauce for a heartier meal.
- Pasta Variation: Swap out the short pasta for a stuffed variety like ravioli or tortellini for an indulgent, more textured experience.
- Crispy Topping: Add crispy breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch and texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Blend some of the sundried tomatoes with a handful of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil to create a flavorful pesto that can be stirred in for added richness.
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the pasta just before serving for a bright, zesty finish that complements the creamy and savory elements.
