One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also makes cooking a breeze. Perfect for families, this recipe requires minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in just one pot. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a quick meal to impress friends, you’ll find this pasta dish fits every occasion beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and pasta make this dish appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning creates a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together. It allows for even heat distribution, which is crucial for perfect pasta.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring longevity.
- Measuring cups: Help ensure accuracy with ingredient quantities, leading to consistent results every time.
Ingredients
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is so quick to make – and you only need a single pot! Even the pasta cooks right in the sauce for easy cleanup.
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Optional Add-ins
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped) (optional – I love it but my kids refuse to eat it)
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 (15-oz) oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
For the Pasta
- 1 (12-oz) box short pasta shapes (spirals or bow ties work great)
Seasoning and Cheese
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cream cheese (OR ricotta, mascarpone… whatever you have on hand! Use more for extra creaminess.)
Garnish
- chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes until they start to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour the chicken stock into the pan while scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10-15 minutes. If it looks dry during cooking, add extra broth as needed.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese until melted. If desired, sprinkle with parsley. Let sit for 3-4 minutes before serving hot.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Serving One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can be a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Adding fresh basil enhances the flavor and brings a fragrant aroma.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
With Grated Cheese
- Parmesan: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds richness and depth.
- Mozzarella: Melting mozzarella over the hot pasta creates a creamy texture.
With Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken provides a protein boost and complements the tomato sauce.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp adds a touch of elegance and works well with the creamy sauce.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli makes the meal healthier and more colorful.
- Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet roasted bell peppers can enhance both flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To make your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish turns out delicious every time.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, good pasta, and quality cheese will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook; add salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents mushy pasta, keeping it firm and pleasant to eat.
- Add creaminess slowly: Gradually incorporate cream cheese or any other creamy ingredient to control consistency.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust Italian seasoning or add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Let it sit before serving: Allowing the pasta to rest for a few minutes thickens the sauce and enhances flavors.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Pairing side dishes with One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and a tangy contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy, colorful addition to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: A simple Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers refreshing flavors.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta makes an excellent appetizer or side.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and balances the meal’s richness.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, olives, and cheeses can serve as a hearty side option.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette gives a refreshing touch alongside the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion and garlic first brings out their flavors. Don’t rush this step; it makes a huge difference!
- Not tasting as you go: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and seasoning to ensure it’s just right.
- Using the wrong pasta shape: Some pasta shapes absorb sauce better than others. Stick with short pasta like spirals or bow ties for best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the timing! Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its texture.
- Neglecting to stir occasionally: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Don’t forget to give it a stir every few minutes!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water while reheating in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Can I make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Just substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use ricotta, mascarpone, or even Greek yogurt as alternatives for added creaminess.
How do I add protein to this dish?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work great. Just add them when you combine the liquids and pasta.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and veggies to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is your go-to solution for quick, satisfying meals that don’t skimp on flavor. This delightful dish combines al dente pasta with a velvety creamy tomato sauce enriched by sundried tomatoes and Italian herbs. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, it requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pot. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that’s both kid-friendly and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this easy pasta recipe delivers rich flavors and creamy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (12-oz) box short pasta shapes (spirals or bow ties work great)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup cream cheese (or ricotta, mascarpone…)
- chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, minced garlic, and sundried tomatoes until softened (about 2 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning; cook for another minute.
- Add chicken stock and scraped browned bits from the bottom. Mix in diced tomatoes and short pasta; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer until pasta is tender (10–15 minutes). Add extra broth if needed.
- Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan and cream cheese until melted. Let sit for 3–4 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg