Name: One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth (Ensure it’s certified vegetarian for a vegetarian option.); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh spinach (optional); Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying, hassle-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a luscious, velvety tomato sauce, brightened up with fresh spinach and topped with fragrant basil and cheesy Parmesan—everything comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is easy, perfect for weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without a fuss. Let me walk you through how to bring this creamy, dreamy pasta to your table.

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients each play an essential role in creating the rich, balanced flavors and beautiful textures of the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. From the pasta that forms the hearty base to the fresh spinach that adds a pop of color and nutrition, every element contributes something delicious to the final dish.

12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli): Choose a sturdy shape that holds onto the sauce for every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps gently cook the garlic to fragrant perfection.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a flavorful punch and is the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes: Provides fresh, tangy tomato flavor and beautiful color.
2 cups vegetable broth: Ensures the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor; use certified vegetarian broth if needed.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings that irresistibly creamy texture and mellow sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds depth and a touch of earthiness.
1 cup fresh spinach (optional): Adds vibrant green color, extra nutrients, and a mild, almost sweet flavor as it wilts.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and round out all the flavors.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Offers a salty, nutty topping that beautifully finishes the dish.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch that makes every bite feel special.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is crucial because gently cooking the garlic releases its sweet aromatic oils that form the flavor base of your sauce.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the vegetable broth and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together so the broth and tomatoes become a flavorful simmering liquid. This combination will both cook the pasta and create a vibrant, tomato-rich sauce with herbal notes that make the dish sing.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Bring your skillet mixture to a steady simmer, then add the pasta. Give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated in that tasty tomato liquid. Cover the skillet, let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soften and soak up all those delicious flavors, coming out perfectly al dente with just enough sauce left.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked through, lower the heat, and stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the sauce into a luxuriously smooth and creamy delight. If you’re using spinach, add it now—it will wilt quickly and add freshness to balance the richness. Season with salt and pepper, then let everything heat together for a few minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is now ready to serve! Scoop it onto plates and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. This final touch brings an extra layer of flavor and freshness that makes the dish feel truly special.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves adds both visual appeal and flavor contrast. The salty nuttiness of Parmesan pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, while basil leaves lend a fresh, herby aroma that brightens every bite. Feel free to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread takes the meal to the next level. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess, while toasted garlic bread helps you soak up every luscious bit of sauce. Roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter also work beautifully alongside for a fuller spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta in individual shallow bowls and topping each portion with a roasted cherry tomato or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or shrimp to turn this into a heartier main course that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because it has cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors meld nicely overnight, making for tasty next-day meals. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

While you can freeze the pasta, the texture might change slightly because of the cream and spinach. If you want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently to help it warm evenly.

Reheating

When reheating your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, do so gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it seems too thick. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. Reheating in the microwave works too—cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or fusilli work great because they hold sauce well, you can use spaghetti, rotini, farfalle, or whatever pasta you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.

Is there a vegan version of the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining that creamy, cheesy flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu stir in beautifully and make this pasta a more substantial meal. Add cooked proteins during the final few minutes of cooking to warm through.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

Stirring occasionally during cooking is key to keep the pasta from sticking. Using enough liquid also helps, and olive oil adds a nice coating to prevent clumping.

Why is the sauce not creamy enough?

If your sauce feels thin, make sure to stir in the heavy cream on low heat after the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid. You can also add a little more cream or a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a total game-changer for busy nights and anyone who loves a comforting, flavorful meal without the fuss. It’s simple, satisfying, and so delicious you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite pasta recipe.

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta cooked directly in a savory tomato and vegetable broth mixture, enriched with creamy heavy cream and fresh spinach, this dish is both comforting and easy to prepare. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it offers a rich texture and vibrant taste all in one pan.

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
Add Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the pasta to the skillet and stir well, ensuring all pasta pieces are coated in the tomato mixture.
Cook Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Incorporate Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. If using spinach, add it now and mix until it wilts into the sauce.
Season and Heat Through: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy tomato pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, ensure the vegetable broth used is vegetarian-friendly.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
Spinach is optional but adds extra nutrients and color; kale or arugula can be used as alternatives.
Keep stirring occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pan, Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian