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To make One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you will need some simple yet tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp dried basil - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup fresh spinach - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. The pasta is the star, soaking up all the flavors. Crushed tomatoes give a nice base, while heavy cream adds creaminess. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. Don't skip the Parmesan cheese; it brings the whole dish together. You can customize the recipe too. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. If you want more spice, add more red pepper flakes. The key is to have fun and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sauté onion and garlic: Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This step builds a great base for flavor. - Combine crushed tomatoes and broth: Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the cup of vegetable broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir everything together until it mixes well. - Add pasta and cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta, like penne or fusilli. Stir the pasta to ensure it is fully covered in the liquid. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot. - Stir in heavy cream: Once the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the cup of heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes rich and smooth. This makes the dish creamy and comforting. - Incorporate spinach and Parmesan: Add one cup of fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts down. Then, sprinkle in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce. - Season and serve: Finally, taste your dish. Add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a bit more Parmesan if you like. Enjoy this delicious one-pot meal! - How to prevent pasta from sticking Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This keeps it from clumping together. You can also add a little olive oil to the water before boiling. - Ensuring a creamy sauce Always add the heavy cream after the pasta cooks. This helps the sauce stay smooth. Stir it in gently, so it mixes well. - Adjusting seasoning levels Taste the dish as you cook. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if it needs flavor. Remember, seasoning can change with the cream and cheese added. - Using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Add it at the end of cooking to keep its flavor strong. You can also use fresh oregano if you have it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can elevate the flavor; add it at the end for a vibrant taste. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit what you have at home. Here are some great ideas: - Alternative pasta types: You can use any pasta you like. Try spaghetti, rotini, or gluten-free options. Each type will give a new twist to the dish. - Dairy-free options with coconut cream: If you want a dairy-free meal, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This will add a slight sweetness and keep it creamy. - Adding protein (chicken or shrimp): For extra protein, mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. Add them near the end of cooking to warm them up without overcooking. - Vegetables to mix in (bell peppers, mushrooms): You can add more veggies too. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work well. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition. These simple swaps can make your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta unique and tailored to your taste! To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta fresh, follow these steps. First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Next, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This way, your pasta stays moist and tasty for up to three days in the fridge. When you want to reheat, use a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to help it warm evenly. Stir gently until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. If you plan to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy your creamy pasta anytime! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. What can I pair with One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta? This pasta pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein. How do I make it spicier? To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the pot. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, fresh tomatoes work great! You will need about 2-3 cups, diced. Make sure to cook them down until they are soft and juicy before adding the broth and pasta. What if I don’t have vegetable broth? You can use chicken broth or even water if you have no broth. Just add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavor strong. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just divide it into portions and store them in airtight containers. You can have a delicious meal ready to go! This blog post provided a clear and easy recipe for One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. We covered key ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and heavy cream. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for perfecting your dish. We explored ingredient substitutions for different tastes and explained how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is simple, tasty, and customizable. You can enjoy it in many ways. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking a delicious meal today!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with 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 pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried herbs (oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes) to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and then add the pasta to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  • Add fresh spinach to the pot and stir until wilted. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and mix until melted and fully incorporated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add more vegetables or protein as desired.
Keyword creamy, one-pot, pasta, tomato, vegetarian