Imagine a dish that captures the essence of comfort with minimal effort—this is where One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta shines. Bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish has become a staple that you can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve at a cozy dinner with friends. The creamy texture combined with the vibrant taste of tomatoes and herbs creates an experience that feels both familiar and special. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe welcomes anyone with its simple steps and delectable outcome.
Why We Love This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
The charm of One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its convenience. You can create a delicious, hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans cluttering your kitchen. Everything cooks together in one skillet, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, you’ll find that this dish is perfect for those moments when you’re short on time or inspiration. The combination of pasta, tomatoes, and cream creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without requiring vast culinary skills.
Ingredients about One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
To prepare One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a mouth-watering pasta dish that will leave you craving more.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Directions
Creating your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta begins with just a few simple steps.
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the olive oil, letting it heat for about a minute. This step is crucial because it allows the oil to infuse its flavor into the onions that follow.
- With the oil heated, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns soft and translucent. This will add a depth of flavor to your dish.
- After the onion is ready, incorporate the minced garlic and sauté it for another minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Now, pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juice included). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.
- It’s time to add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
- Season your mixture with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Taste it to ensure the balance is just right; you can always add more later.
- Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the entire mixture to a simmer. This creates a flavorful base for your pasta.
- Once simmering, add in the pasta, stirring well to ensure it’s thoroughly submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the pasta cook evenly.
- Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, checking occasionally to stir and prevent sticking. You want your pasta to be perfectly al dente.
- When the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and make it luxuriously creamy.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated, adding richness to the sauce.
- Finally, taste the sauce one last time, adjusting any seasoning with more salt or black pepper if necessary.
- For a fresh finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve your creamy tomato pasta hot, allowing everyone to indulge in this robust, flavorful dish.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Once your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is ready, serving it is straightforward yet elegant. Transfer generous portions onto plates or into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of the sauce along with the pasta for that perfect bite. To elevate your presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh black pepper. You might even decide to add a garnish of freshly chopped basil or a dash of red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce. A crisp salad complements the creaminess, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the meal beautifully.
Expert Tips: One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
To help you achieve the best results with your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Pasta: The type of pasta you use can change the dish’s total experience. Opt for shapes that can hold onto sauce well, like penne or fusilli, rather than thinner varieties like spaghetti.
- Don’t Rush the Onions and Garlic: Sauté them on medium heat to develop their full flavor. Patience here pays off!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a less spicy dish, consider reducing the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you enjoy heat, feel free to add more.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella or Cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Taste as You Go: As you cook, make sure to taste the sauce regularly; seasoning adjustments are often necessary to find that perfect balance.
How to Store One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
In the event you have leftovers (though likely not!), storing One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple. Allow the dish to cool before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy another serving, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help loosen the sauce, ensuring it retains its creamy texture upon reheating.
Variations of One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you might consider to keep things exciting in your kitchen:
- Add Vegetables: Enhance your dish by tossing in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These not only add nutrition but also extra color and flavor.
- Protein Options: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost.
- Use Different Herbs: Basil and oregano work beautifully, but you can also experiment with thyme or Italian seasoning for a different aromatic profile.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan version.
FAQ
What is One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta?
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines pasta with a creamy tomato sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices, all cooked in one skillet. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights.
How do I enhance the flavor of my creamy tomato pasta?
You can enhance the flavor by sautéing your onions and garlic slowly, adding fresh herbs, using high-quality tomatoes, and tasting as you go to adjust seasoning effectively.
Can I make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently to maintain its creamy consistency.
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta Your favorite shape
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta and stir to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Cover the skillet and let cook for about 10-12 minutes, checking occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!