Looking for a quick and tasty meal that you can make in just one pan? You’re in the right place! This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a rich, flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe will delight everyone. Dive in, and let’s get cooking this comforting, creamy pasta dish together!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 12 oz (340g) penne pasta and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced and 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices and 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To create this amazing One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, gather all your ingredients first. This method saves you time and keeps your kitchen organized.
Start with the penne pasta. It cooks well and absorbs the sauce nicely. Use good quality olive oil for a rich taste and to help sauté the onion and garlic.
You will need diced tomatoes along with their juices. They add flavor and body to the sauce. The vegetable broth brings a savory depth, making the dish feel hearty.
For creaminess, the heavy cream is a must. It gives the pasta its rich texture. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds a lovely umami kick that ties everything together.
Don’t forget your seasonings! The dried basil and oregano elevate the dish with fresh, herbal notes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to whip up a delicious meal with the Full Recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Sautéing the onion and garlic:
First, grab a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warm. Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook this for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. The onion should turn soft and clear.
2. Cooking the pasta with tomatoes and broth:
Now, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for just 1 minute. Keep stirring so it stays fragrant. Then, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, too. Stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta. Turn up the heat to boil it gently. Once it boils, turn down the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir a few times to keep it from sticking. The pasta should be al dente, and the liquid should soak in.
3. Finishing with cream and cheese:
When the pasta is ready, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the sauce is creamy. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensuring perfect al dente pasta: Cook your penne pasta for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. This keeps it from clumping. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard.
– Adjusting for creaminess and flavor: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. Start with half a cup and taste as you go. You can also add a bit more cheese for extra flavor.
– Preventing sticking in the pan: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking. If you notice it sticking, add a splash of broth or water. This will help keep it loose.
Serving Suggestions
– Ideal pairings and sides: Serve this creamy tomato pasta with a fresh side salad. Garlic bread also pairs well. These sides enhance the meal without overwhelming it.
– Garnishing ideas with fresh herbs: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of flavor and color. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a lovely finish.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Ingredient Alternatives
You can change up the ingredients for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. Here are some easy swaps:
– Substitutes for heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both give a creamy texture without the extra calories. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
– Different pasta types or shapes: You can use any pasta you like! Try spaghetti, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
– Adding protein options like chicken or shrimp: For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Sauté them until golden before adding the onions. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier.
Flavor Enhancements
Boost the taste of your creamy tomato pasta with these suggestions:
– Infusing the sauce with additional spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well.
– Using fresh tomatoes or homemade sauce: Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. Use about 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped. If you prefer, make your own sauce. Just simmer tomatoes with garlic and onions until thick.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make your dish unique. Personalizing your pasta is part of the fun! For the full recipe, check out the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta details.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta fresh, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge. Your creamy pasta will last up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and flavors may fade.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to reheat them just right. There are a few great methods to do this. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If you use a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring often.
To restore creaminess, you might want to add a little extra cream. This will help bring back that rich texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy your creamy pasta like it’s fresh from the pan!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta more healthy?
To make this dish healthier, use whole grain penne pasta. Whole grain pasta has more fiber. You can also add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Swap heavy cream with a light version or use cashew cream for a lighter touch. Reducing the cheese amount can also cut calories without losing flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Use plant-based pasta and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based alternative. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese option. This keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor without animal products.
What can I serve with One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta?
This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread is also great for soaking up the sauce. For added protein, serve with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also add roasted vegetables for a colorful and healthy side dish.
This blog post covers how to make delicious One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, including pasta, tomatoes, and cream. You discovered easy steps for cooking and tips for perfect results. I shared variations to help you customize your dish. Additionally, you found storage tips to keep leftovers fresh.
Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
![- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced and 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices and 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste To create this amazing One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, gather all your ingredients first. This method saves you time and keeps your kitchen organized. Start with the penne pasta. It cooks well and absorbs the sauce nicely. Use good quality olive oil for a rich taste and to help sauté the onion and garlic. You will need diced tomatoes along with their juices. They add flavor and body to the sauce. The vegetable broth brings a savory depth, making the dish feel hearty. For creaminess, the heavy cream is a must. It gives the pasta its rich texture. Lastly, Parmesan cheese adds a lovely umami kick that ties everything together. Don’t forget your seasonings! The dried basil and oregano elevate the dish with fresh, herbal notes. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to whip up a delicious meal with the Full Recipe! 1. Sautéing the onion and garlic: First, grab a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it's warm. Next, toss in the finely chopped onion. Cook this for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. The onion should turn soft and clear. 2. Cooking the pasta with tomatoes and broth: Now, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for just 1 minute. Keep stirring so it stays fragrant. Then, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, too. Stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta. Turn up the heat to boil it gently. Once it boils, turn down the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir a few times to keep it from sticking. The pasta should be al dente, and the liquid should soak in. 3. Finishing with cream and cheese: When the pasta is ready, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the sauce is creamy. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in until it melts. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! - Ensuring perfect al dente pasta: Cook your penne pasta for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it every few minutes. This keeps it from clumping. Check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Adjusting for creaminess and flavor: If you want a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. Start with half a cup and taste as you go. You can also add a bit more cheese for extra flavor. - Preventing sticking in the pan: Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking. If you notice it sticking, add a splash of broth or water. This will help keep it loose. - Ideal pairings and sides: Serve this creamy tomato pasta with a fresh side salad. Garlic bread also pairs well. These sides enhance the meal without overwhelming it. - Garnishing ideas with fresh herbs: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch of flavor and color. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a lovely finish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change up the ingredients for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. Here are some easy swaps: - Substitutes for heavy cream: If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk. Both give a creamy texture without the extra calories. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. - Different pasta types or shapes: You can use any pasta you like! Try spaghetti, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. - Adding protein options like chicken or shrimp: For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Sauté them until golden before adding the onions. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. Boost the taste of your creamy tomato pasta with these suggestions: - Infusing the sauce with additional spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. - Using fresh tomatoes or homemade sauce: Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. Use about 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped. If you prefer, make your own sauce. Just simmer tomatoes with garlic and onions until thick. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make your dish unique. Personalizing your pasta is part of the fun! For the full recipe, check out the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta details. To keep your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta fresh, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge. Your creamy pasta will last up to 3 days. After that, the texture may change, and flavors may fade. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to reheat them just right. There are a few great methods to do this. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If you use a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth in a pan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring often. To restore creaminess, you might want to add a little extra cream. This will help bring back that rich texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy your creamy pasta like it's fresh from the pan! How to make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta more healthy? To make this dish healthier, use whole grain penne pasta. Whole grain pasta has more fiber. You can also add fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Swap heavy cream with a light version or use cashew cream for a lighter touch. Reducing the cheese amount can also cut calories without losing flavor. Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. Use plant-based pasta and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based alternative. For cheese, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese option. This keeps the creamy texture and rich flavor without animal products. What can I serve with One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta? This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread is also great for soaking up the sauce. For added protein, serve with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also add roasted vegetables for a colorful and healthy side dish. This blog post covers how to make delicious One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, including pasta, tomatoes, and cream. You discovered easy steps for cooking and tips for perfect results. I shared variations to help you customize your dish. Additionally, you found storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, and don't be afraid to experiment!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7faf41b2-2c43-4de2-a625-a7b5396ee2c4-250x250.webp)