One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan dish, especially when it comes to pasta. This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a culinary delight that strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and the bright acidity of tomatoes. The texture is luscious, with each strand of pasta enveloped in a rich sauce that clings without being too heavy. This dish is stunningly simple, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner after a long day or even for casual gatherings with friends.
The best part about this pasta is how quickly it comes together. In just 35 minutes, you can have a comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners, effortless entertaining, or even a cozy night in when you’re craving something delicious. Serve it with a fresh side salad and a glass of your favorite wine, and you’re all set for a delightful evening.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute. This ensures that the ingredients will sauté properly and enhance the flavor.
Sauté the Onion: Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. The onions create a sweet base for the sauce that makes everything taste better.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often to prevent burning. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, letting you know you’re on the right track.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Finish the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
Pro Tips
- Pasta Choice: Opt for short pasta like penne or fusilli that catches sauce well. Avoid long pasta types as they may not cook evenly in this dish.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the timing of your pasta. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy quickly; al dente is the way to go for the best texture.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk for a healthier option.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to tweak the herbs—fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor even more. You can add a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end for an extra depth of flavor.
- Leftover Optimization: If you have any leftovers, consider reheating them with a splash of vegetable broth or water to revive the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a fantastic choice for its robust flavor and delightful creaminess. It brings together the sweetness of caramelized onions and tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the savory bite of Parmesan cheese in every forkful. It’s comforting without being overly rich, making it suitable for everyday meals.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to various diets—it’s vegetarian and can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something more special. You can enjoy it alongside your favorite protein or as part of a larger spread at gatherings.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Presentation is key even in a simple dish like this. Serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic touch, or transfer portions onto individual plates for a more polished look. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan adds a beautiful garnish.
For side dishes, consider pairing this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread could also be an amazing companion to soak up the delicious sauce, and a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio makes a lovely pairing.
How to Store One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it cools down before sealing it up to avoid condensation, which can make the pasta sticky.
If you want to keep it for longer, you can also freeze the pasta. It should last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
A few tweaks can ensure success every time you make this dish. Timing is everything; be mindful of the recommended cooking times and taste as you go. This will help you get the perfect al dente texture.
For best flavor, season generously at each stage—don’t wait until the end to adjust salt and pepper. Adding seasonings early allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, don’t hesitate to adjust the cream based on your preference for richness.
Variation
There are plenty of delicious variations to explore with this recipe:
- Vegan Version: Use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of crushed red pepper for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free varieties like rice or chickpea pasta.
- Protein-Packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra substance.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
This dish offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying option for a meal. The heavy cream and cheese contribute to the richness, so it’s something to enjoy in moderation!
Storage and Reheating
To reheat leftovers, you can use three methods:
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Skillet: On low heat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to play around with the flavors! You can add zest from a lemon for brightness or toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrients. Adjust herbs to match your preference or try incorporating various cheeses like feta or mozzarella for different flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Always check for al dente; pasta continues cooking even after it’s off the heat.
- Skipping Salt: Don’t forget to season adequately; it significantly enhances the final dish.
- Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much broth or sauce; it should coat the pasta rather than drown it.
- Not Stirring: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serving Cold: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, so reheat properly before serving.
Serving Occasions
This creamy pasta is perfect for many occasions! It makes a wonderful family dinner on a busy weeknight, and it’s an impressive but easy dish for casual entertaining. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for potlucks or quick lunch meals where you want something satisfying without the fuss.
Why Make This Recipe
What truly sets this One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta apart is its uncomplicated preparation and the comforting, rich flavors of the sauce. Unlike many traditional pasta recipes that require multiple pots, this streamlined dish keeps cooking fuss to a minimum, making it accessible and convenient for everyone. Whether you are an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe makes getting a delicious meal on the table a breeze.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just adjust the liquid accordingly and season it to your taste.
2. What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or even water as a substitute. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning if you use water.
3. Can I make this pasta vegan?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
4. How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the cooking process for added nutrition and texture.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients or divide it into two batches.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information provided is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Always taste and adjust flavors to your liking!
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, letting it warm for about a minute.
- Sauté the chopped onion in the skillet for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring often.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), followed by dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then add vegetable broth.
- Stir in the pasta, ensuring it's fully submerged in the sauce and cover the skillet.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.