Description
This One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made in a single pot, it combines tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce enhanced by Parmesan and cream cheese, making it creamy and flavorful. Optional sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely depth, but feel free to omit them for a kid-friendly twist. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving four, this simple recipe offers a delicious, hassle-free dinner option.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (12-oz) box short pasta shapes (spirals or bow ties work great)
Cheese and Garnish
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese (or ricotta, mascarpone, etc.)
- Chopped flat leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and optional chopped sundried tomatoes. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate flavor. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and the pasta to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the pasta is tender, about 10-15 minutes. If the liquid reduces too quickly and the pasta looks dry, add a bit more broth or water during cooking to maintain the creamy texture.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan and cream cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy sauce. If desired, add chopped flat leaf parsley for freshness. Let the pasta sit for 3-4 minutes to thicken before serving immediately.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bow ties depending on preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock.
- The cream cheese can be swapped with ricotta, mascarpone, or even a dollop of sour cream for different creamy textures.
- Adjust salt and pepper at the end, especially if your chicken stock is salted.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
