Indulge in the comfort of this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta that comes together in just 25 minutes! This easy recipe blends flavorful crushed tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream for a deliciously creamy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, you'll love how simple and satisfying it is.
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
![For this creamy tomato pasta, you need some key items: - 12 oz (340g) pasta: Choose either penne or fusilli. They hold sauce well. - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: This gives the dish a rich base. - 1 small onion: Finely chopped, it adds sweetness and depth. - 3 cloves garlic: Minced for a fragrant touch. - 2 cups vegetable broth: Keeps it flavorful and hearty. - 1 cup heavy cream: Or use coconut milk for a lighter option. - 1 cup fresh spinach: Chopped, it adds color and nutrition. Flavor comes from the right herbs and spices. You’ll want: - 1 teaspoon dried basil: It brings warmth and earthiness. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian taste. - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little kick. - Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors. Garnishes make the dish pop! Use: - Fresh basil leaves: Add a fresh touch on top. - Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle it on for extra creaminess. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Cook for one more minute. The garlic should smell nice but not burn. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer. This step builds a rich flavor base for your pasta. Once the base simmers, it's time to add the pasta. I prefer penne or fusilli for this dish. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking. Keep an eye on the pasta. You want it to be al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. This gives the dish a nice texture. After the pasta is ready, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. This makes the dish creamy and rich. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all flavors blend. Next, toss in the fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. This adds color and nutrients. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Now, you have a delicious One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and some grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this easy recipe delight! To make your pasta creamy, you can adjust the liquid. Use heavy cream for a rich taste. If you want a lighter option, try coconut milk. Both give a smooth finish. When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. For reheating, add a splash of broth or water. This helps the pasta regain its creamy texture. Want more flavor? Add herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also try a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm taste. Don't forget to season well. A good balance of salt and pepper makes a big difference. Taste as you go to find what suits your palate. You can use any pasta shape you like. Penne and fusilli work great, but spaghetti or shells can be fun too. If you're short on time, try an Instant Pot. Cook the pasta with broth for about 5 minutes. For a slow cooker, mix all ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This makes the flavors blend beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. {{image_2}} You can make your creamy tomato pasta heartier by adding protein. Here are some options: - Chicken: Cook diced chicken in the pot before adding other ingredients. This adds flavor and protein. - Shrimp: Add shrimp just a few minutes before the pasta is done. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Sauté it until golden for extra flavor. These choices let you customize your meal based on what you like or have on hand. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Here are some great swaps: - Leafy greens: Kale works well. Just chop it and add it with the spinach. It wilts nicely and adds a rich taste. - Bell peppers: Dice them and add when you sauté the onion. They bring color and sweetness. - Mushrooms: Slice them and cook with the onions. They add a savory depth to the dish. Feel free to mix and match veggies based on your preference. Spice up the sauce with these easy changes: - Lemon zest: Add it at the end for a bright, fresh flavor. It makes the dish feel lighter. - Spicy peppers: If you like heat, try serrano or jalapeño. Add them with the garlic for a kick. These variations keep the dish exciting and new each time you make it. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. To store your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure to keep it sealed tight to avoid moisture loss. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it later. You can freeze this dish for later use. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand when frozen. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. In the fridge, your pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to 2 to 3 months. After that, the taste may change, but it is usually still safe to eat. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your leftovers. For this dish, I recommend using penne or fusilli. They hold sauce well and cook evenly. You can also try farfalle or rigatoni for fun shapes. Each type of pasta gives a unique texture to your meal. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or any plant-based cream. Use vegetable broth for a great flavor. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option to keep it vegan. Cooking One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta takes about 25 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta takes about 10-12 minutes. The rest of the time is for mixing in the cream and spinach. A common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time and taste for doneness. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste as you go to ensure a nice flavor balance. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook it and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for about three days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Check the [Full Recipe] for detailed steps. In this blog post, we explored how to make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, from pasta choices to dairy options, and key seasonings like basil and oregano. We also shared step-by-step instructions for prepping the base, cooking the pasta, and adding final touches. Remember the helpful tips for enhancing flavor and perfecting creaminess, plus delicious variations. Store leftovers correctly to enjoy later. With this guide, you have all the tools to create a tasty meal that fits your needs. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](https://momdishmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/481d36f8-de3f-4662-a53d-892cbc65a8ff-250x250.webp)