Name: Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt & pepper to taste

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Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a dish that dances on your taste buds, enveloping them in a rich, velvety sauce that smells like home and feels like a hug. Picture this: a pot bubbling away on the stove, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting through the air, teasing your senses as you daydream about every creamy bite. It’s perfect for those weeknights when cooking feels like a chore, yet you crave something utterly delicious and comforting. For more inspiration, check out this Philly cheesesteak pasta recipe.

Now, let me take you back to my college days when dinner meant a race against time and a battle with textbooks. I vividly remember one late night—a group of friends gathered around my tiny kitchen table, laughter filling the air as we devoured my first attempt at this pasta. The combination of flavors was as magical as our impromptu karaoke session afterward. From that moment on, Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta became our best friend during study sessions and movie marathons alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
With its rich flavor profile combining tangy tomatoes and creamy goodness, it’s sure to impress any palate.
Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it will be the star of your dinner table.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or protein!

Ingredients for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta: Choose any short pasta like penne or fusilli that will hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality tomatoes; they are the heart and soul of this dish.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings in the luscious creaminess; half-and-half works in a pinch but won’t be as decadent.
Fresh Basil: Adds an aromatic freshness; use whole leaves or chop them for more flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch; don’t skimp on this aromatic essential!
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over your pasta for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

For seasoning:

Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all flavors; season to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—about one minute should do the trick before you become overwhelmed by its lovely aroma!

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

Pour in those canned diced tomatoes along with their juices into the pot. Stir everything together while letting it simmer for about five minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your chosen pasta along with enough water (or broth if you’re feeling fancy) to just cover it all. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer until the pasta is al dente—usually around ten minutes. Keep stirring occasionally because nobody likes sticky pasta!

Step 4: Add Heavy Cream

When your pasta is perfectly cooked, reduce heat further and pour in that glorious heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir until everything is combined and creamy—this is where magic happens!

Step 5: Finish with Basil and Cheese

Toss in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese; give it one final stir until everything looks irresistibly inviting! Taste for seasoning—add salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Up Happiness

Transfer generous portions onto plates or into bowls. Maybe sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Gather your loved ones around the table because you’ve just created something special.

Now get ready to savor every spoonful of this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta—it’s comfort food at its finest!

You Must Know

This Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience!
It combines convenience with deliciousness, making meal times more enjoyable.
You can adjust the ingredients based on your pantry.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve creamy goodness, start by sautéing garlic and onions, then add tomatoes and let them simmer. Cook the pasta directly in the sauce for maximal flavor absorption, finishing with cream for that luscious texture everyone craves.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out pasta types—penne or fusilli work beautifully too. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up a bit!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy sauce and warm it gently on the stove.

Chef's Helpful Tips

First, don’t overcook your pasta; it should be al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.
Second, taste as you go—seasoning can make or break your dish!
Finally, always use fresh herbs for that vibrant pop of flavor.

Sometimes, I whip up this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta when I’m feeling nostalgic. My friend once declared it “the food equivalent of a hug,” and honestly, who doesn’t need that?

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?

To prepare Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you will require pasta, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, onion, and some basic spices. Fresh basil can also enhance the flavor. Choose your favorite pasta type—penne or fusilli work well. Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad Ensure to have enough vegetable or chicken broth to cook the pasta. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Tortellini Pasta Salad This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

How long does it take to make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?

Making Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is quick and simple. From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking them in one pot. The remaining time is for simmering everything together until creamy and delicious. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a last-minute meal.

Can I make Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta ahead of time. To do this, cook the recipe as directed but slightly undercook the pasta to maintain its texture when reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Is Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta suitable for vegans?

While traditional Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta contains heavy cream and cheese, you can easily make it vegan-friendly. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Crunchy Sourdough Croutons For cheese lovers, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without dairy. By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this comforting dish.

Conclusion for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta:

Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Remember to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs for added taste and nutrition. This recipe truly delivers on convenience without compromising flavor, making it a must-try for busy cooks!