One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures in a hassle-free cooking experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe allows you to whip up a comforting meal with minimal effort. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup since all the ingredients cook together in just one pot.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of Parmesan and cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that will satisfy any pasta lover.
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and fun pasta shapes, this dish is sure to please even picky eaters.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize your dish with additional vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To make the One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spills as you combine ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces while mixing flavors thoroughly.
Ingredients
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.
Main 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… whatever you have on hand!)
- Chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
How to Make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Sauté
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, cooking for one more minute.
Step 2: 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 along with the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking until the pasta is done—this usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If at any point it seems too dry, feel free to add extra broth as needed.
Step 4: Add Cheeses
Once cooked, take the pasta off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and cream cheese until well combined. If desired, mix in chopped parsley for added freshness. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes before serving immediately.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Basil: Add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Grated Parmesan: Offer extra Parmesan on the side for those who love cheese.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provide some heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes on top.
Accompanying Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Serve sliced grilled chicken breasts on top for added protein.
- Shrimp: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Italian Sausage: Crumbled Italian sausage adds a savory depth to the dish.
Side Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side option.
How to Perfect One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Getting your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta just right is easy with a few helpful tips. Here are some secrets to achieving perfection.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavors in your dish significantly.
- Adjust Liquid Accordingly: If your pasta seems dry while cooking, add more broth gradually to keep it creamy.
- Stir Frequently: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking of the pasta.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone for varied creaminess and taste.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
Complement your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with these delightful side dishes. They will round out your meal beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious creamy sauce; serve warm with butter and garlic.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and balances the richness of the pasta.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a flavorful addition that enhances the meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes a great appetizer before serving.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cured meats, and cheeses can be fun to share alongside the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on the cooking time and test it a minute or two before the recommended time.
- Not seasoning enough: Skipping seasoning can make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Using cold ingredients: Adding cold cream cheese or Parmesan can cool down the pasta. Let these ingredients sit at room temperature for better mixing.
- Skipping the scraping step: Not scraping the bottom of the pot when adding liquids might leave burnt bits in your pasta. Make sure to scrape for added flavor.
- Rushing the resting time: Skipping the resting time after cooking can result in a watery sauce. Allowing it to thicken enhances creaminess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Freeze within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
- Best used within 2-3 months.
Reheating One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta:
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! You can use any short pasta shapes you prefer, like penne or fusilli.
How can I make this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
What if I don’t have sundried tomatoes?
You can skip them altogether or use fresh tomatoes instead for a lighter flavor.
How do I add more protein to this recipe?
Consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or beans for extra protein options.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, a quick and easy dish that brings joy to your table in just 30 minutes. This delightful pasta combines rich, creamy tomato sauce with your choice of short pasta, all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile—customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. The creamy texture from Parmesan and cream cheese ensures every bite is satisfying, making this meal a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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… whatever you have on hand!)
- 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 (about 2 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning for an additional minute.
- Pour in chicken stock and canned diced tomatoes. Add the short pasta, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to simmer. Cook until pasta is tender (10-15 minutes), adding broth if needed to prevent drying out.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan and cream cheese until well combined. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
