Some nights, you just need a comforting, no-fuss meal that comes together in one pot. This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner—rich tomato flavor, velvety cheese, and tender pasta, all simmered together for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
The magic starts with a quick sauté of onion and garlic in olive oil, building a fragrant base. Then, sundried tomatoes and tomato paste add depth, while a splash of chicken stock and diced tomatoes create a light, flavorful sauce.
The pasta cooks right in the pot, soaking up every bit of goodness before it’s finished with a luscious blend of Parmesan and cream cheese. The result? A silky, tangy, and deeply satisfying dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.
What’s so Special About This Dish?
- One pot = easy cleanup! No extra dishes to wash, just one pot to simmer it all together.
- Packed with flavor: Sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan bring bold, savory depth.
- Creamy, dreamy texture: The combo of cream cheese and Parmesan melts into a silky, rich sauce.
- Customizable: Use veggie broth for a vegetarian version or swap in mascarpone for extra indulgence.
- Perfect for busy nights: Ready in 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- Knife & cutting board (for chopping)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 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…
- chopped flat leaf parsley optional
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken stock, scrape the pot, then add diced tomatoes and pasta. Season with salt & pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Add extra broth if needed.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan and cream cheese (or substitute). Let sit for 3–4 minutes to thicken.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately!
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 538kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 81g |
| Fibre | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Sugar | 11g |
Variations that Will Help You Customize!
Here are some expert-level variations to elevate this pasta dish:
Boost the Umami
- Anchovy Paste – Stir in ½ teaspoon with the tomato paste for a deep, savory depth. It melts right in without tasting fishy.
- Miso – A teaspoon of white miso stirred in at the end adds complexity and a subtle sweetness.
Textural Twists
- Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts – Sprinkle on top before serving for a bit of crunch.
- Crispy Prosciutto – Crisp up thin slices in a pan and crumble them over the pasta.
Layering Acidity & Sweetness
- Balsamic Reduction – A drizzle right before serving balances the richness.
- Caramelized Onions – Swap out the raw onions for slow-cooked, golden onions to add a touch of natural sweetness.
Unexpected Heat
- Calabrian Chiles – A spoonful of chopped Calabrian chiles brings smoky, tangy heat.
- Aleppo Pepper – For a milder, fruitier spice, stir in ½ teaspoon before simmering.
Elevate the Creaminess
- Whipped Burrata – Instead of mixing in cream cheese, top each bowl with torn burrata for a luxe, creamy finish.
- Brown Butter Mascarpone – Brown a tablespoon of butter, then mix it with mascarpone before stirring in.
Play with Pasta Texture
- Half & Half Cooking – Cook half the pasta separately and toss it in at the end to create a mix of firmer and softer pasta.
- Crispy Pasta Topping – Reserve a handful of cooked pasta, crisp it in a pan, and use it as a crunchy garnish.
These ideas bring out layers of flavor and texture beyond the basic tweaks, making this pasta dish shine with sophistication! Let me know if you want more refinements!
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
