Sometimes, all I want is a bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug, and this One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is exactly that. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe where you toss everything into one pan, let the flavors mingle, and somehow end up with creamy pasta magic? It’s comfort food recipes at their best, the kind that actually makes you sigh in relief when you take the first bite. I’ve made plenty of One Pan Pasta Recipes before, but this one hits different. The tomato sauce has just enough tang, the cream mellows it out, and the noodles soak up all that goodness while cooking right in the same pan. Honestly, it feels like cheating, because it’s so easy. And yet, it tastes like you’ve been simmering a tomato sauce recipe dish all afternoon. If you’re looking for One Pan Recipes that save you time and give you full-on flavor, this is it. It sits comfortably in the hall of fame of tomato pasta recipes and creamy pasta recipes. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights a little brighter and weekends a little lazier—in the best way possible.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
4) How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
6) Making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
8) Try these pasta recipes next!
9) One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Why one pan recipes save time and dishes
How creamy tomato pasta checks all the boxes for comfort food recipes
Simple pantry ingredients make this dish weeknight friendly
Cooking pasta directly in sauce builds flavor you can taste in every bite

2) Easy One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted dinner to taste like a hug in a bowl, this is it. I love that this recipe brings everything into one pot, which means fewer dishes staring at me from the sink later. Who doesn’t want that after a long day? It’s one of those comfort food recipes that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The sauce develops while the pasta cooks right in it, which feels like a magic trick. The starch from the pasta blends with the tomato base, giving it a silky texture. Add cream, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes like a restaurant meal, but it’s right in your own kitchen.

I’ve made plenty of one pan pasta recipes before, but this one holds its own. Between the tangy tomato base, the cream, and the Parmesan finish, you’ll swear it took way more effort than it really did. And that’s exactly the kind of kitchen win we all need.

3) Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Olive Oil: I start with a splash of olive oil to soften the onion and garlic. It’s the quiet base that sets up everything else in the dish.

Garlic: Three cloves, minced, and sizzling in the pan. That smell alone could get the neighbors knocking on your door. Garlic builds flavor faster than anything else.

Onion: Diced medium onion that softens and melts into the sauce. It adds sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes gives the dish body. It’s what makes this one pan recipe feel hearty and filling.

Tomato Paste: A spoonful deepens the tomato flavor. Think of it as the shortcut to a long simmer without the waiting.

Vegetable Broth: Two cups of broth keep the pasta cooking evenly. It’s liquid with flavor, not just water.

Heavy Cream: Cream turns sharp tomato edges into smooth velvet. This is what lands the dish firmly in creamy pasta recipes territory.

Pasta: Twelve ounces of penne work best, though you can experiment. The pasta cooks in the sauce, soaking up flavor in every bite.

Herbs: A teaspoon each of oregano and basil, dried and dependable. They bring the Italian comfort straight into the pan.

Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup stirred in at the end, pulling everything together. It melts, thickens, and finishes with salty richness.

Fresh Basil: Torn leaves scattered on top. They brighten the dish and make it look like something straight out of a cookbook photo.

4) How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant. I love how this step makes the kitchen smell instantly inviting.

Step 2. Stir in tomato paste. Give it a quick minute in the heat. It darkens and sweetens, adding more depth than you’d expect from a small spoonful.

Step 3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and cream. Stir everything together. The sauce already looks promising, even before the pasta goes in.

Step 4. Add pasta, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Push the pasta down so it’s covered in liquid. This step feels unusual, but trust me, it works.

Step 5. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about fifteen minutes, stirring now and then. The pasta softens and the sauce thickens as they mingle.

Step 6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. The sauce turns creamy, glossy, and just the right level of rich.

Step 7. Scatter fresh basil on top, grab some bowls, and serve immediately. I never get tired of the first spoonful straight from the pan.

5) Tips for Making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

I always keep a few tricks in mind when making tomato pasta recipes like this one. First, salt the broth lightly. Since Parmesan adds salt at the end, you don’t want to overdo it early on. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

If you crave heat, toss in some red pepper flakes with the herbs. They give the dish a little kick without taking away from the creamy sauce. It’s one of those tiny changes that makes a big difference.

And let’s be honest: stirring pasta directly in sauce feels risky. The first time I tried it, I hovered over the skillet like it might betray me. But it works, and the pasta absorbs so much flavor this way. Trust the process, stir often, and it’ll turn out beautifully every single time.

6) Making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Ahead of Time

When I know a busy week is coming, I make a batch of this pasta the night before. It sits well in the fridge, and the flavors settle in even more. Comfort food recipes tend to taste better the second day, and this one proves it.

If you’re storing it, leave out the basil garnish until you reheat. Basil wilts fast, and fresh leaves give the best pop of flavor. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

One more note: pasta keeps soaking liquid even after cooking. If you prefer a looser sauce later, add extra cream or broth when warming it up. This little adjustment makes reheated pasta taste almost as good as the day it was first made.

7) Storing Leftover One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Leftovers rarely last long in my house, but when they do, I pack them in airtight containers. The pasta keeps well for up to four days in the fridge. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a gift when you open the fridge on a tired evening.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. They reheat best in a skillet with added broth or cream. Microwaves work too, though stirring midway helps keep the sauce smooth.

Sometimes I intentionally double the recipe just to have these leftovers ready. Few things beat the convenience of pulling out a frozen serving and having dinner sorted in minutes.

8) Try these pasta recipes next!

9) One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe