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One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and comforting meal made with tender pasta cooked directly in a rich tomato sauce and finished with cream. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and ideal for anyone looking for easy pasta and tomato sauce recipes with minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed or stewed tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
  5. Add uncooked pasta and broth, making sure pasta is mostly submerged.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Short pasta shapes cook more evenly in one pan
For a light tomato pasta sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk
Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables
Can be baked with extra cheese for tomato pasta bake recipes