One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is an effortless dish that combines rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe gives you a creamy, delicious meal using just one pot. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those tasty flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Cleanup: With only one pot needed, you save time on both cooking and cleaning.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic nights.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy tomato flavor makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sundried tomatoes, garlic, and cheese creates a deliciously rich taste.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of the pasta and sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools are perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta uses simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Flavor Enhancers
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Liquid Components
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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…)
Garnish
- Chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
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; cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour the chicken stock into the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Add the can of diced tomatoes along with the short pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is done, about 10-15 minutes. If it looks dry during cooking, add a little extra broth as needed.
Step 4: Add Cheeses
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese. If desired, add chopped parsley for garnish. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes to thicken before serving immediately.
With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only a delightful dish but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy date night, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Add fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant touch.
- Flat Leaf Parsley: Sprinkle some parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Accompanied by Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Crusty Baguette: Use slices of a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
Topped with Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken can be added on top for extra protein.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp make an elegant addition that complements the flavors well.
Paired with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs nicely with the rich pasta.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh tomatoes and mozzarella of Caprese salad provide a refreshing side.
How to Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
To make sure your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes enhance flavor significantly.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If the mixture looks too dry, add more broth or water gradually.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for unique flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your pasta fresh off the stove for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic make a healthy side.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy bite.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides nutrition and color to your plate.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers create an easy appetizer.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be baked ahead and served warm alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; it builds a base for your sauce.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking time is crucial. Check the pasta often to avoid mushiness. Aim for al dente texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to elevate the overall flavor.
- Not using enough liquid: If you find your pasta drying out, add more broth gradually during cooking. This ensures a creamy consistency.
- Neglecting cheese incorporation: Stir in the cheeses off the heat for a smooth blend. This step creates that creamy texture we love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, here are some common questions answered:
Can I make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omit any meat additions.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like spirals or bow ties are ideal, but feel free to experiment with other types based on preference.
How can I customize One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta?
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even protein like chicken or shrimp for added flavor and nutrition.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and mild tomato flavor make it appealing for kids and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it with different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins to suit your family’s tastes. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines rich flavors with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious and creamy dish using only one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This pasta absorbs the savory tomato sauce, resulting in a comforting meal that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its versatile ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner option.
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.
- Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes (with juice), and short pasta; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until pasta is cooked (about 10-15 minutes). Add more liquid if needed.
- Remove from heat; stir in grated Parmesan and cream cheese until creamy. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
