Go Back
To make this tasty dish, you need some key items: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. To boost the flavor, consider adding: - Red pepper flakes for a kick - Spinach or kale for greens - Mushrooms for an earthy taste - Lemon zest for brightness These extras can make your dish even more exciting and delicious. If you don’t have an ingredient, you can swap it out. Here are some ideas: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of penne. - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan choice. Make sure to taste as you go. Adjust the spices and cream to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This makes it easy to add them to the pan later. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. 4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. 5. Add the penne pasta and bring everything to a gentle boil. 6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir it a few times. 7. Check the pasta. It should be just right, not too soft. 8. Stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano. Mix until creamy. 9. Add salt and pepper to taste. 10. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted. 11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese if you like. To get the best pasta texture, remember these tips: - Use a large pan to give the pasta room to cook. - Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Make sure to check the pasta a minute or two before the timer goes off. - If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a bit more broth. This recipe is quick and easy. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner. For the full recipe, just refer to the earlier sections. Enjoy your cooking! When making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, you might face some common errors. First, don’t rush the onion cooking. Sauté it until it's soft. This step builds a good base flavor. Secondly, avoid overcooking your pasta. It should be al dente, not mushy. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning. Taste as you go. A little salt or pepper can make a big difference. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for zest. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. If you want, try adding a little balsamic vinegar for depth. These small changes can elevate your dish. Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet works best for this recipe. It gives enough space for the pasta to cook evenly. A good wooden spoon helps stir without scratching the pan. If you have a lid, use it! Covering the pan speeds up cooking. Lastly, a cheese grater is key for fresh Parmesan. It melts nicely into the sauce. For the Full Recipe, check the previous section for all the details. {{image_2}} You can boost your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta by adding protein. Chicken is an easy choice. Just cut chicken breasts into small pieces. Cook them in the pan before adding the onions. Shrimp is another great option. Add peeled shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian twist. Use firm tofu, diced, and cook it until golden. This way, you add flavor and texture to your meal. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat but keep the flavor. Use vegetable broth and add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. For a vegan option, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy taste. These changes keep your dish rich and creamy while fitting your diet. You can make this dish shine with seasonal veggies. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh taste. Summer is great for zucchini or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavor. Fall brings butternut squash or spinach that pair well with the sauce. In winter, think of roasted Brussels sprouts or kale. Adding these vegetables makes your meal colorful and healthy. To store your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container well to avoid any odors. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water. This helps to bring back the creaminess. Stir often until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in a safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date, so you remember when you made it. It can last in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, place the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned above. This will keep the flavors intact for your future meals. Yes, you can use many types of pasta for this dish. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just check the cooking time on the package. Adjust the cooking time if needed. A shorter pasta may cook faster, while a thicker one might need more time. The key is to cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. You can also use dairy-free cheese for a cheesy flavor. Look for plant-based options that melt well. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. You’ll still get a rich, creamy texture that tastes great! This dish pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is great for dipping, too. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a colorful plate. If you want more protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! This blog covered all you need for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. We explored key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for perfect results. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and customize your dish. With storage tips, your leftovers will stay fresh for later. Whether you crave meat or want vegetarian options, this dish works for you. My final thought: enjoy making this meal, and share it with loved ones for a simple, tasty treat.

- One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Discover the secrets to a quick and delicious dinner with our One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe! This flavorful meal comes together effortlessly in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features creamy goodness, fresh ingredients, and customizable options for everyone. Click through to explore easy steps and tips that will make this your new favorite recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Method
 

In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
      Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and penne pasta to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil.
        Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
          Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
            Remove from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
              Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
                Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.
                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4