This creamy tomato pasta is a one pot marvel of flavor. Silky tomato sauce blended with heavy cream, garlic, and onion creates a delicious, comforting meal. With tender pasta absorbing the taste, and fresh basil adding a vibrant finish, this dish delivers a quick, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner.

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I’m excited to share my Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe with you all. I came up with this recipe after searching for an effortless one dish pasta meal that doesn’t require much cleaning afterwards.

This pasta is made in one pot with a silky smooth, creamy tomato sauce that I achieved by simmering a small diced onion in olive oil until softened and adding minced garlic for extra flavor. When I added a can of crushed tomatoes and about 1 1/2 cups of water, the mixture transformed into a savory base for 12 oz of penne pasta.

I then mixed in heavy cream to create that signature creamy tomatoes pasta feel, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This dish is perfect when I’m looking for a quick meal that provides good nutrition.

I like to garnish with fresh basil, creating a pasta sauce tomato experience that is both satisfying and easily made at home.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because its super easy to whip up and I only need one pot so cleanup is a breeze. I love that the creamy tomato sauce is super rich and full of flavor even though its made with just a few basic ingredients. I also like how quick it is to prepare which means I can have a hearty meal on the table without wasting too much time. And honestly, the simple yet tasty mix of ingredients always makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something special even on a busy night.

Ingredients

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Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy its filling and perfect for a creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and subtle flavor that boosts the overall dish taste.
Onion: Gives a touch of sweetness along with fiber and a mild aromatic kick.
Garlic: Packs a punch of flavor and has immune boosting, heart-healthy benefits.
Crushed tomatoes: Rich in vitamins offering tangy notes to balance the smooth creaminess.
Heavy cream: Enhances texture and creaminess while adding a rich, velvety feel.
Fresh basil: Offers bright herbal notes that lighten and freshen the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Season the dish perfectly boosting flavor without extra calories.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti works great)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cups water (or enough to just cover the pasta)

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, roughly chopped for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it gets tender.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it around for a minute or so until it smells great.

3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the 1 1/2 cups water. Give it a good stir so all the flavors start mingling.

4. Now add the pasta to the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more water to cover it.

5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

6. Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring every now and then so nothing sticks along the bottom.

7. Once the pasta is almost done and most of the water has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream to create that creamy tomato sauce.

8. Continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is silky smooth and the pasta is perfectly cooked.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to, then remove the pot from heat.

10. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – to cook your pasta and sauce together
2. Stove – for heating the pot over medium heat
3. Measuring cups – to accurately measure water, heavy cream, and olive oil
4. Knife – for dicing that onion and mincing garlic
5. Cutting board – a stable surface for chopping ingredients
6. Wooden spoon – for stirring the sauce and pasta evenly
7. Can opener – to open the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

FAQ

Q: Can I use types of pasta other than penne or spaghetti? A: Yep, you can use any kind of pasta you like but just keep in mind that the cook time might change a lil bit.

Q: How long does it take to make the dish? A: It usually takes around 20-25 minutes from start to finish, which is pretty fast for a one pot meal.

Q: Is there a healthy substitute for heavy cream? A: Sure thing, you can try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream, but the taste wont be exactly the same.

Q: How do I avoid mushy pasta in this recipe? A: The key is to use just enough water to barely cover the pasta and check on it often so it doesn't overcook.

Q: Can I store leftovers for later? A: Definitely, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even a neutral flavored oil like canola
If crushed tomatoes are out, try using diced tomatoes and blend them a bit to get a similar texture
For heavy cream, coconut milk or even half-and-half works well if you want a lighter option
Instead of water, you might use a bit of vegetable broth to amp up the flavour

Pro Tips

1) When you’re cooking the onions, dont rush ’em; let them get all soft and flavorful, but be careful not to overcook so they dont turn mushy.
2) Add the garlic once the onions are lookin’ just right so it doesnt burn. Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor, so keep an eye on it.
3) Keep stirring the pasta every few minutes and check if its all submerged; if it seems dry in some spots, just add a little extra water.
4) When you stir in the heavy cream, lower the heat real quick so the sauce stays smooth and doesnt curdle.
5) Finally, taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you go because the tomatoes can be a bit different from can to can. Enjoy adjusting it to fit your taste!

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

490

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large pot – to cook your pasta and sauce together
2. Stove – for heating the pot over medium heat
3. Measuring cups – to accurately measure water, heavy cream, and olive oil
4. Knife – for dicing that onion and mincing garlic
5. Cutting board – a stable surface for chopping ingredients
6. Wooden spoon – for stirring the sauce and pasta evenly
7. Can opener – to open the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti works great)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups water (or enough to just cover the pasta)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, roughly chopped for garnish

Directions

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it gets tender.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir it around for a minute or so until it smells great.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the 1 1/2 cups water. Give it a good stir so all the flavors start mingling.
Now add the pasta to the pot, making sure it's mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a bit more water to cover it.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring every now and then so nothing sticks along the bottom.
Once the pasta is almost done and most of the water has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream to create that creamy tomato sauce.
Continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is silky smooth and the pasta is perfectly cooked.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to, then remove the pot from heat.
Serve it hot with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.