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One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe for Quick and Delicious Dinners - Featured Image

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe for Quick and Delicious Dinners

Learn how to make delicious One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that balance freshness with convenience. I always prioritize ripe tomatoes or quality canned tomatoes, as they’re the heart of the sauce. Using good-quality cream or a creamy alternative gives the pasta that luscious texture I love without being too heavy. Whenever I can, I opt for fresh garlic and herbs — they make all the difference in elevating the flavors without much fuss.

  • 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Substitution tips: If you prefer a lighter option, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully here, too, just adjust cooking time as needed.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add the dry pasta directly to the pan, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
  4. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender, while the sauce thickens beautifully.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and glossy, adjusting seasoning if needed.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy immediately with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, recipe, cooking, food