• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Savory Nothings logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Easy Dinner Recipes
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot Meals
      • Quick Meals
      • Instant Pot
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Small Meals
  • Dinner Ideas
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Easter
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • About
  • Subscribe
×

Home / Recipes / Dinner / One Pot / One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

30 mins
| 9 Comments |
5 from 26 votes
Jump to Recipe 11/01/21 | Updated: 11/01/21 | by Nora
photo collage of one pot creamy tomato pasta with text overlay in the middle

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is so quick to make – and you only need a single pot! Even the pasta cooks right in the sauce for easy cleanup. Cooking the pasta in the tomato sauce makes the sauce creamy without the need for lots of extra fat, and the pasta soaks up so much flavor!

close up photo of wooden spoon in a pot of creamy tomato pasta

Besides my One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta, this Creamy Tomato Pasta is my absolute go-to on busy weeknights.

My kids will eat this right up and I can throw it together in no time, which makes it a real win for me. Making a one pot pasta is so, so easy – you simply throw everything into a single pot and let it do its thing. Then the sauce AND pasta are ready at the same time, and you don’t even have to drain a heavy pot of pasta.

One Pot Tomato Pasta Recipe

This dish:

  • comes together in a single pot for easy clean up after dinner
  • gets so creamy and delicious without the need for much extra fat (and there’s not a single drop of heavy cream!)
  • is flavorful enough for grown ups, but mild enough for small kids, so everybody gets to eat together!

We’ll often eat this one pot pasta as a vegetarian main, but if I’m feeling ambitious I’ll make some Lemon Garlic Chicken or some marinated steak on the side.

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

ingredients for creamy tomato pasta with text labels
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Pasta: Olive oil, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, salt, pepper, chicken broth, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, cream cheese, parmesan cheese and optionally fresh parsley.

How to make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

1. Sauté the aromatics by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic (and the sun-dried tomatoes, if using). After a minute or two, stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning and cook for one more minute.

  • sautéed onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in white skillet
    sauté aromatics
  • sautéed onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with tomato paste in white skillet
    stir in tomato paste and seasoning

2. Add liquids and pasta: Pour 3 cups chicken broth into the pan and stir well to get any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.

Add the can of diced tomatoes and the pasta, season to taste and simmer until the pasta is done.

  • chicken broth pouring from glass measuring jug into white skillet with sautéed aromatics
    pour in chicken broth
  • broth, dry pasta and diced tomatoes in white cast iron skillet
    then add pasta and diced tomatoes

This will usually take 10-15 minutes, depending on your pasta. You may need to add a little extra liquid as it’s cooking (again, depends on your pasta), but remember we’re trying to make a sauce, so don’t thin it out.

3. One the pasta is done, stir in grated parmesan and cream cheese (or ricotta, or mascarpone, or even sour cream… whatever you have!). You can also stir in chopped parsley, my dad used to make a dish like this with parsley and it’s a total childhood memory for me. Basil would also be nice.

  • grated parmesan cheese, cream cheese and chopped parsley on top of cooked tomato pasta
    add remaining ingredients
  • creamy tomato pasta in white dutch oven with wooden spoon stuck inside
    stir well

5. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken further, then serve immediately (else it will get dry and mushy).

overhead view of white Dutch oven filled with creamy tomato pasta

Recipe tips

  • do not pre-cook the pasta – it goes in dry! (and yes, this absolutely works)
  • if the pasta is done but the sauce seems too soupy, wait for 3-4 minutes after stirring in the cheeses to see if it thickens enough while cooling. If it doesn’t, you can try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Bring to a boil once while stirring and it should thicken right up.
  • to add chicken to the pasta dish, brown two diced chicken breasts before adding the onion and garlic. Proceed with the recipe as written.

Want to know if you can make this recipe ahead of time? I don’t recommend purposefully making ahead a one pot pasta, simply because the pasta tends to soak up all the sauce as it sits after cooking. I also wouldn’t recommend you freeze it for the same reasons.

One pot pasta is so quick and easy to make as-is, I prefer freezing things like more time-consuming casseroles!

Leftover tips

If you end up with substantial leftovers, you can turn them into a pasta bake:

Place them in a casserole dish, cover and chill in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, stir in an extra can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle the top with cheese.

Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until piping hot and bubbly.

Serving ideas

If you want some veggies on the side, try one of these:

  • My easy sautéed green beans are a great choice, air fryer green beans work great if you have less time.
  • Air fryer broccoli or garlic roasted broccoli are delicious, too.
  • A simple green salad with Italian dressing, white balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette is also a great pairing.

If you want to round out the meal with a protein, try one of these:

  • Balsamic marinated chicken, baked chicken thighs or air fryer chicken thighs are great chicken dishes to pair with this pasta
  • Air fryer steak, homemade meatballs or air fryer pork chops are wonderful heartier additions.
close up photo of creamy tomato pasta on a fork

More one pot pasta recipes

  • One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
  • One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese
  • One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
  • One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Or browse all of my one pot dinners!

PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!

Printable Recipe Card
overhead view of white Dutch oven filled with creamy tomato pasta
Save Recipe Saved!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is so quick to make – and you only need a single pot! Even the pasta cooks right in the sauce for easy cleanup.
Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings
made it? tap the stars to add your rating!
5 from 26 votes
Print Add Review

Recipe details

Prep 15 mins
Cook 15 mins
Total 30 mins
Servings 4 servings
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes chopped (optional – I love it but my kids refuse to eat it)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water
  • 1 (15-oz) 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… whatever you have on hand! Use more for extra creaminess.
  • chopped flat leaf parsley optional

Instructions
 

  • Sauté:
    Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add liquids and pasta:
    Pour the chicken stock into the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pasta and season to taste.
  • Cook the pasta:
    Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until pasta is done, about 10-15 minutes. If the pasta starts looking dry and there doesn't seem to be enough liquid, add a little extra broth during the cooking process.
  • Add cheeses:
    Take the pasta off the heat and stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese. Add parsley if you like. Let the pasta sit and thicken for 3-4 minutes before serving immediately.
Want to save this recipe?Create an account for free to start your personal recipe box. Save any recipe by tapping the heart in the bottom right corner.
Join Now

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 538kcalCarbohydrates: 81gProtein: 23gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 513mgPotassium: 998mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 589IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 245mgIron: 4mg
Nutrition is an estimate.

More recipe information

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

This recipe was first published on 07/24/2019. Updated with new photos and better text on 11/01/2021. The recipe has stayed exactly the same.

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings
About Nora 
When I got married to my professional chef husband, I realized I had to step up my game in the kitchen. Now I share my favorite foolproof family recipes here on Savory Nothings: Chef-approved, kid-vetted and easy enough for everyday home cooks like you and me!   Learn more.

Reader Interactions

Overhead view of lentil soup in white bowl garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese

< Previous Post

overhead view of white bowl filled with instant pot beef stew

Next Post >

Add a Review or Ask a Question Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this recipe? Rate it:




Comments

  1. Paula Friedman says

    August 20, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe yesterday- it was delicious and so easy! The whole family just loved it!!!!

    Reply
  2. Megan says

    June 17, 2020 at 12:35 am

    5 stars
    So delicious! I didn’t have sundries tomatoes so I left those out, I added in fresh broccoli and chicken sausage as well. It was a big hit! Thanks so much for this great recipe.

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    June 14, 2020 at 4:32 pm

    Used my le creuset skillet to accommodate linguine pasta. Checked similar recipes and cooked the dish without the lid. Used a little less stock and added about 150 ml cream I had in the fridge. Added 10ml sugar to balance acidity of the tomatoes and handful of chopped fresh basil. Delicious and will make it again.

    Reply
  4. Wendy says

    June 06, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe twice now. The first time I melted some Brie into it that was going spare in the fridge.
    It was so creamy and tastey that I made it with it again the second time.
    So easy to make and very satisfying.

    Reply
    • Nora says

      June 09, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      That sounds absolutely incredible, Wendy!

      Reply
  5. Ashya says

    March 28, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    We’re vegan so I made a few adjustments … but my boys loved this!! (Veggie broth and vegan cream cheese — no parm). I had everything on hand in my kitchen made for a quick delicious lunch!!

    Reply
    • Nora Rusev says

      March 30, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      Love your vegan adjustments, Aysha! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback. Sometimes I make this without the cheese, too, but stir in a little bit of cashew butter instead. Sounds strange, but totally works!

      Reply
  6. Tegan says

    January 27, 2020 at 11:38 am

    Just cooked this and it was one of the best homemade pastas I have ever eaten!

    Reply
    • Nora Rusev says

      February 01, 2020 at 8:26 am

      I’m so glad, Tegan!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Nora Rusev from Savory Nothings

Hi, I'm Nora! I wasn't always a good cook, but then I fell in love with a professional chef and learned my way around the kitchen. Now I share all my secrets to effortlessly great food here on my blog, bite-sized for home cooks just like me and you.

More about me →

Cookie Recipes

  • The Perfect Soft Gingerbread Cookies
  • Chewy Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
  • The Best Cut Out Sugar Cookies

see all >

Popular

  • Garlic Parmesan Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  • Oven Baked Chicken Breast
  • Crispy Oven Fried Chicken
  • TikTok Baked Oats: 6 Ways!
  • One Pot Rigatoni Bolognese
  • Southwestern Crockpot Chicken Tacos
  • Homemade Shepherd’s Pie
  • Whole Wheat Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

Trending on Pinterest

  • Balsamic Chicken Marinade
  • Swedish Meatballs
  • Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
  • Instant Pot Pot Roast
  • Homemade Salisbury Steak
  • About
  • Contact

Footer

Footer

Follow Along













Recipes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sides
Dessert
Appetizers

Instant Pot
Slow Cooker
One Pot
Casseroles
Ground Beef
Chicken

Featured On

different logos of publications Savory Nothings' content has been featured on

↑ back to top

About | Contact | Work with Us

Copyright Savory Nothings © 2023

Made with lots of love and spices ♥︎
PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT |
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Yummly
  • Mix