There are nights when you want something warm and comforting without spending an hour cooking or filling the sink with dishes. This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is made for exactly those evenings.
Pasta cooks directly in a savory tomato and garlic sauce before being finished with cream and Parmesan. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.
Best of all, everything comes together in one pot in about 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) penne or your favorite pasta
- 400 g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or cooking cream
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- About 3 cups water or vegetable broth, as needed
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Build the tomato sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
If you’re using whole cherry tomatoes, gently press some of them with your spoon as they soften to release their juices.
Add the pasta
Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Add enough water or vegetable broth to mostly cover the pasta.
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cook until tender
Cook the pasta for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
The pasta will absorb much of the cooking liquid while releasing starch, naturally helping to thicken the sauce.
Add a splash more water or broth if the mixture becomes too dry before the pasta is tender.
Make it creamy
Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until completely incorporated.
Add the grated Parmesan and continue stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve
Remove the pasta from the heat and let it sit for a minute or two. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it rests.
Serve warm with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal because it melts more smoothly into the sauce. Keep the heat low after adding the cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.
For an even richer tomato flavor, allow the tomato paste to cook briefly before adding the other ingredients.
You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted vegetables to turn this simple pasta into a more substantial dinner.
What to Serve With It
This creamy pasta works beautifully with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Because the pasta itself is rich and creamy, something fresh and crisp on the side provides a nice contrast.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk, cream, or water and heat gently while stirring. This helps loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Final Note
Simple ingredients can make an incredibly satisfying dinner. With tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, cream, and pasta all cooked together, this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta delivers plenty of flavor without complicated preparation or a pile of dirty dishes.