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- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving - 1 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped When you make One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you need the right ingredients. First, choose your pasta. I like penne for its shape. It holds the sauce well. Next, grab a can of crushed tomatoes. This gives the dish its rich base. You also need vegetable broth. It adds depth and flavor. For creaminess, heavy cream is a must. It makes the sauce smooth and rich. Don't forget the Parmesan cheese! It adds a nice salty bite. Now, let’s talk about aromatics. You will use onion and garlic. They bring wonderful flavor to the dish. Dried basil and oregano give it a classic Italian taste. Salt and pepper help to enhance all the flavors. Finally, add fresh spinach. It wilts nicely and adds color. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty and creamy pasta dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it looks clear. 3. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. 1. Now, add 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. 2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well. 3. Bring this mixture to a boil. Watch it bubble! 1. Once boiling, add 12 oz of penne pasta to the pot. Stir to combine it. 2. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. 3. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then until the pasta is al dente. 1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until the pasta is creamy. 2. Add 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. 3. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it as you like! To get that rich, creamy texture, heavy cream is key. It adds a smooth finish to your pasta. When you stir in the cream, do it gently. This helps it blend well with the sauce. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon for the best results. Keep stirring until every piece of pasta is coated. You can boost the flavor with extra spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Try a bit of smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish. For serving, top your pasta with grated Parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh basil makes it look fancy and adds flavor. Cook the pasta over medium heat. This keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly. Stir the pasta often as it cooks. To check doneness, taste a piece. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. If it's too soft, it’s overcooked. Adjust your timing next time for perfect pasta. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can replace half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use a plant-based cream. Perfectly Seasoned: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. Adding a splash of vinegar can enhance the overall flavor. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess. {{image_2}} For those on a vegan diet, you can swap out the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These options provide a rich taste without dairy. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. If you're gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta. This change makes the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Just check cooking times, as they can differ from regular pasta. You can boost the dish by adding protein. Cook diced chicken or shrimp in the pot before adding the other ingredients. This step adds heartiness and flavor. Feel free to add veggies, too! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. Chop them small and sauté them with the onion and garlic. This keeps the dish colorful and nutritious. Want a creamier sauce? Add more heavy cream or use a little cream cheese. Stir it in until it melts for a velvety texture. For a twist in flavor, experiment with herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each option gives you a new taste experience. To store your One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavor may fade and safety may decrease. When you want to enjoy leftovers, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it on low. Stir often to keep it moist. If it's dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This helps revive its creaminess. In the microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can freeze this pasta! Just make sure it cools completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or microwave, adding cream or broth to bring back its creaminess. This dish is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking the pasta takes around 10 to 12 minutes. So, you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. That’s perfect for busy nights! Absolutely! You can try different pasta shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or rotini work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. Each shape cooks a bit differently, but the dish will still taste great. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. You can add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. This pasta pairs nicely with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is perfect. Garlic bread or crusty bread also complements the dish. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can make it heartier. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered a creamy tomato pasta recipe that’s easy and delicious. I shared key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for creaminess and flavor. We explored variations for different diets and flavor preferences. Lastly, I provided storage info and answered common questions. Try this recipe for a quick meal that’s tasty and satisfying. Your family will love it!

One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried spices (basil and oregano). Stir well.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir to combine.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
  • Add the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

Notes

Serve warm topped with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
Keyword creamy, one pot, pasta, tomato