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One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Why you’ll love this dish
One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that hits all the right notes when it comes to comfort food. With its creamy texture and rich tomato flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a popular go-to for families and busy professionals alike. The ease of preparation and cleanup makes it a winner in my kitchen, especially after a long day. There’s something soothing about the smell of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil — it instantly makes the house feel warm and welcoming. Plus, this dish is versatile; whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it fits the bill perfectly.
As one enthusiastic home cook put it: “This pasta dish is so creamy and comforting—it has quickly become a staple in our weekly meal rotation!”
The cooking process explained
Making this dish is as simple as it gets — everything comes together in one pan. It starts with sautéing onions and garlic, where the flavors begin to develop wonderfully. Then, you’ll add in tomatoes and pasta, allowing it to simmer all in one pot, which reduces the fuss of having multiple dishes to wash afterward. Followed by a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, you’ll soon find yourself in pasta heaven. It’s a straightforward recipe that results in a creamy, delicious meal without too much effort.
What you’ll need
To prepare this scrumptious pasta dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For a little more flair, consider using high-quality olive oil or fresh herbs if available. You could also swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a different spin.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the dry pasta, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta reaches the desired texture, stir in the heavy cream and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
This creamy tomato pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad for a light crunch, or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce — trust me, you’ll want to get every last bit! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top as you serve gives it a restaurant-quality finish. You can easily transform it into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for protein.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely, considering how good this dish is), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to retain that creamy texture — microwave for quick reheating, or you can gently warm it on the stovetop while stirring occasionally. This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the cream may separate upon thawing, altering the texture.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your dish, consider adding a splash of white wine when cooking the onions and garlic for an extra depth of flavor. Not a fan of spicy? You can omit the red pepper flakes entirely for a milder taste. Remember, cooking times may slightly vary based on the type of pasta used, so keep an eye on it to achieve the perfect al dente bite.
Creative twists
Experimenting with this recipe is half the fun! Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to sneak in some extra nutrients. For a protein-packed option, try adding chickpeas or ground turkey. Want a hint of freshness? A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Common questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta.How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can chop the onion and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for optimal texture.What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt, depending on your preference for creaminess and flavor.
This easy-going creamy pasta dish encapsulates the joys of home cooking with its flavor and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful experience of making — and sharing — this comforting recipe!
One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines rich tomato flavor with garlic and cheese, all made in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) Use whole wheat or gluten-free for alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Consider using high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Extra cheese for serving recommended.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Cooking
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the dry pasta, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta reaches the desired texture, stir in the heavy cream and simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in the grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess. Not suitable for freezing.
