Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta – One-Pot 25-Minute Dinner for Busy Weeknights
This Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, it’s rich, cheesy, and kid-friendly — with pro tips, storage advice, and gluten-free options.
🍴 Introduction
Need a comforting dinner fast? This Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta is a one-pot recipe that delivers restaurant-level flavor in under 30 minutes. With a creamy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and just one pan to clean, it’s the ultimate cozy, low-effort dinner — perfect for families, students, or anyone craving something warm and cheesy.
🥄 Ingredients (with quantities)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz (225g) penne or pasta of choice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil, chili flakes for garnish
⏱ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2–3
🥗 Nutritional Benefits
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Tomatoes are high in lycopene and vitamin C
- Cream and Parmesan provide calcium and healthy fats
- Can be made lower in sodium with homemade broth
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy.
- Finish & garnish: Taste for seasoning and garnish with fresh basil or chili flakes if desired.
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add spinach or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients.
- Stir in grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Use chickpea pasta for a gluten-free + high-protein alternative.
🧺 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream
- Can be portioned and frozen for up to 1 month
🌾 Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
- Dairy-Free: Sub cream with unsweetened oat milk or coconut milk; skip cheese or use vegan Parmesan
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or hearts of palm pasta
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
A: Yes, but reduce the broth slightly to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well and hold the sauce.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: No — but feel free to add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you want heat.
