One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

$For the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you will need these ingredients: - 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli works great) - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (use coconut cream for dairy-free) - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients based on your needs: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Crushed tomatoes: Pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce can work too. - Vegetable broth: Chicken broth can be used for a different flavor. - Heavy cream: Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice. - Onion: Shallots can replace onions if you prefer. To make this dish, gather these tools: - Large, heavy-bottomed pot - Wooden spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board for chopping - Ladle for serving With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to create a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Make sure to have everything measured and ready. This helps the cooking go smoothly. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir it until soft and clear. 3. Add the minced garlic next. Cook this for 1 minute until you smell the garlic. 4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together well. 5. Add in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. 6. Let the sauce simmer gently. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. 7. Once the sauce simmers, add the uncooked pasta. Make sure it is fully covered with the sauce. 8. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir gently every few minutes. 9. Check the pasta for doneness. It should be firm but cooked. 10. Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. 11. If the dish is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to adjust the texture. Serve the pasta warm. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a beautiful look. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For a nice touch, use pasta bowls for serving. Enjoy your meal! To get a super creamy sauce, use heavy cream. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream works great. Both options give the sauce a rich texture. Mix the cream in slowly. This helps it blend well with the crushed tomatoes. Always taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to get the best flavor. When cooking pasta, choose a shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fusilli. Add the pasta to the pot once the sauce simmers. Stir it in well so that every piece is coated. Cover the pot to trap steam. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking. Check for al dente doneness after about 10 minutes. You can add more flavor to your pasta by including fresh herbs. Basil adds a nice touch. You might also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like a savory bite, consider adding cooked sausage or mushrooms. For extra nutrition, toss in spinach or kale. These additions make the dish more colorful and tasty. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to absorb sauce while resting, ensuring it doesn't become mushy. Flavor Enhancer: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Cheese Alternatives: If you're avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute to sprinkle on top for a cheesy flavor. Veggie Boost: Feel free to add in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutritious twist! {{image_4}} You can make this dish dairy-free easily. Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture without any dairy. It adds a subtle sweetness, which pairs well with the tomatoes. This change makes the dish suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet. Want to boost the protein in your pasta? There are many options to consider. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey. If you prefer plant-based proteins, try chickpeas or lentils. Simply stir in your choice of protein when you add the pasta. This way, the protein heats through while the pasta cooks. Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance nutrition. You can toss in spinach, kale, or zucchini for a pop of color and vitamins. These vegetables cook quickly and add flavor. You can also use bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. Just chop them up and add them to the pot along with the onions. This makes the dish not only tastier but also healthier. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, this method works great. Reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. For stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it creamy. Warm it over low heat until hot. To freeze leftover pasta, let it cool completely first. Store it in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti all work well. I often choose what I have on hand. Each shape brings its own charm to the dish. For example, fusilli holds more sauce in its spirals. To add some heat, try red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. You can also use spicy sausage or add chopped jalapeños. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Start small and add more as you go. This way, you control the spice level perfectly. Pair this pasta with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. For a lighter touch, a side of steamed broccoli works well too. You learned about making a delicious one-pot creamy tomato pasta. We covered key ingredients, useful substitutes, and the best tools for cooking. Detailed steps showed you how to prepare and serve this meal. Helpful tips ensured your pasta would turn out creamy and flavorful. You also discovered variations and storage methods for leftovers. In the end, this dish is easy to customize and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, diced finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream, then stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the sauce is simmering, add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the creamy tomato sauce.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, giving it a gentle stir every few minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce.
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time allows the pasta to thicken further. If the dish appears too thick, simply add a splash of vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve the creamy tomato pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Keyword creamy, one pot, pasta, tomato