One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This one-pot tomato pasta makes its own sauce as it cooks. A little cream softens the tomatoes, while the pasta starch gives the sauce a glossy finish without a second pot.
Why this recipe works
Use a wide pan with enough room to stir. Short pasta cooks more evenly here than long strands, and stirring matters because the sauce becomes thicker as water evaporates.
Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 Difficulty: Easy
Before you start
The amount of liquid is a starting point, not a fixed limit. Pasta brands absorb water differently. Keep some hot water nearby and add a splash whenever the pan looks dry before the pasta is ready.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Instructions
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01
Warm the olive oil in a wide, deep pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
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02
Add the garlic and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, broth and oregano. Bring to a gentle boil.
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03
Add the dry pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10–14 minutes, stirring often and scraping the base so it does not stick. Add a splash of hot water if the sauce thickens before the pasta is tender.
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04
When the pasta is just tender, reduce the heat and stir in the cream. Cook gently for 1 minute. Turn off the heat, then stir in the cheese.
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05
Taste before adding salt, since broth and cheese vary. Add black pepper and torn basil. Let it stand for 2 minutes before serving.
The amount of liquid is a starting point, not a fixed limit. Pasta brands absorb water differently. Keep some hot water nearby and add a splash whenever the pan looks dry before the pasta is ready.
Swaps that work
For a dairy-free version, use an unsweetened plant-based cream and omit the cheese or use a suitable alternative. For vegetarian cooking, choose cheese made without animal rennet.
Make ahead and storage
Refrigerate in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days. Reheat with a little water or broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta will soften as it sits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but cooking time and water absorption vary a lot. Stir gently and begin checking several minutes before the package time.
Can I add vegetables?
Stir in baby spinach at the end, or cook diced zucchini with the onion. Avoid adding a large amount of watery vegetables without adjusting the liquid.
Make it your own
Serve it in the way that works for your table. If you change an ingredient, use the cooking cues in the method and taste as you go.
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