Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you my go-to recipe for a delicious and hassle-free meal: Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, creating a comforting meal for my loved ones. Plus, who doesn’t love a creamy tomato pasta that can be cooked in just one pot? Trust me, this recipe will soon become a staple in your household too!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I’m in need of a quick and satisfying dinner option. The best part is that you only need one pot to cook the entire dish, which means less time spent on cleaning up afterwards. My family goes crazy for this because it has the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors. The addition of fresh herbs and garlic gives it an extra burst of aromatic goodness. So, let’s dive into the recipe and create some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients
For this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’ll need:
– 250g pasta of your choice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Optional: Feel free to add some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to become creamy and luscious.
6. Serve the Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
– If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– Don’t worry if the sauce seems too thick at first. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb some of the liquid and create a perfect consistency.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Variations
I love experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add some fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness.
– Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
– Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Equipment
While this recipe is fairly simple, having a good quality pot with a lid is essential for even cooking. If you don’t have a pot with a lid, you can cover it with aluminum foil as a workaround.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. It’s a match made in heaven! However, feel free to get creative with your sides and serve it with whatever makes your taste buds dance.
Pro Tips
Through my trial and error, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons when it comes to making this dish:
– Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cooking the onion and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
– Taste the sauce before adding salt. Depending on the brand of crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth you use, they may already contain salt. Adjust accordingly.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can blanch them, remove the skins, and crush them to create your own tomato base. It might require a bit more effort, but the result will be worth it!
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Definitely! This recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite or use whatever you have in your pantry.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: While you can freeze the leftovers, I find that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. It’s still perfectly edible, but the texture won’t be as creamy as when it’s freshly made.
So, there you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and adding your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta
A delicious and hassle-free creamy tomato pasta dish cooked in just one pot. Perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors with aromatic hints of herbs and garlic.
Ingredients
- 250g pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
-
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant.
-
Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
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Add pasta, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat pasta evenly with sauce.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
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Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream for a creamy sauce.
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Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.