One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

The ultimate weeknight dinner solution lies in this One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, where rich tomato sauce meets perfectly cooked pasta in a single vessel. The magic happens as the pasta releases its starches while cooking directly in the sauce, creating an irresistibly creamy texture that clings to every strand without relying on heavy cream.

During a particularly hectic week, this recipe saved dinner multiple times. My family was amazed at how something so simple could taste so luxurious, and the minimal cleanup meant I could actually relax after dinner instead of tackling a mountain of dishes.

Essential Ingredients Selection

• Pasta: Choose bronze-die pasta for its rough texture that helps the sauce cling better. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully.
• Tomato paste: Look for deep red paste in tubes for the most concentrated flavor and easy storage.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat variety at room temperature ensures the smoothest incorporation into the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated aged Parmigiano Reggiano adds unmatched depth and umami.
• Italian seasoning: A blend with visible dried herbs rather than powder offers better flavor distribution.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium to control the saltiness, homemade is even better for richer flavor.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add finely diced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning. Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the paste and bloom the herbs.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Sauce

Pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot vigorously to release all the flavorful browned bits. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine completely. Season with salt and pepper, starting conservatively as the cheese will add saltiness later.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Add your chosen pasta to the simmering liquid, ensuring it's completely submerged. Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. The sauce should be slightly thicker but still fluid at this point.

Step 4: Achieve Creamy Perfection

Reduce heat to low and add room temperature cream cheese in small chunks. Stir gently until completely melted and incorporated. Add freshly grated Parmesan in batches, stirring until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Let rest for 3-5 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.

Pin it

Growing up in an Italian-American household, I learned that the best pasta dishes often come from simple ingredients treated with care. The cream cheese in this recipe might not be traditional, but it adds a luxurious twist that makes this dish truly special. When my grandmother first tasted it, she was skeptical about the one-pot method but ended up asking for the recipe!

The Versatility of One-Pot Pasta

This cooking method originated from the traditional pasta al coccio, where pasta was cooked directly in sauce in terracotta pots. The technique has evolved to become a modern convenience without sacrificing flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability - adding seasonal vegetables or leftover proteins can transform it into countless variations.

Pin it

This recipe has become my go-to for everything from casual family dinners to entertaining guests. The combination of simple technique and maximum flavor impact makes it truly special. What started as a quick weeknight solution has evolved into one of my most requested recipes, proving that sometimes the simplest approaches yield the most satisfying results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like spirals, penne, or bow ties work best since they cook evenly in the sauce. Just keep the amount (12 oz) the same.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta, mascarpone, or even heavy cream instead. Just adjust the amount to reach your desired creaminess level.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth or water to make it vegetarian-friendly.

→ Why is my pasta too dry?

If the pasta looks dry while cooking, just add a splash more broth or water. Different pasta shapes may need slightly different amounts of liquid.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Try adding spinach, peas, or mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking. Bell peppers and zucchini can go in with the onions.