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Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta

by Katerina

4.45 from 9 votes

Apr 03, 2015, Updated Jun 30, 2024

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This Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta is the perfect dinner idea for busy weeknights! Simply throw all your ingredients into one pot, and dinner will be ready in just 20 minutes!

You know it’s a good week when I’m talking about pasta TWICE. And it’s about to get even better because this dish does all its work in the same pot at the same time.

A few weeks ago, I made this creamy lemon pasta for lunch. I ate almost all of it and loved it! But then, I started thinking about my husband, the pastaholic, who is obsessed with tomato sauce. He’d probably bathe in tomato sauce if he could. So, I began experimenting. Throwing tomatoes into the boiling water wasn’t my brightest idea, but stirring in cream cheese and tomato sauce? BRILLIANT!

This is my ultimate Friday food! If you had protein oatmeal this morning, you can definitely indulge in all of this! Let’s dive in! We’re tossing almost everything into the pot and stirring in your favorite pasta and tomato sauce.

What You’ll Need

• Whole Grain Fettuccine or Linguine: This provides the hearty base for the dish. Whole grain pasta adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. You can substitute with regular fettuccine or linguine if preferred.
• Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: You can use chicken broth or just more water as a substitute.
• Onion: Yellow or white onions work best, but you can mix in shallots for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh herbs add an aromatic flavor that pairs nicely with the tomato sauce. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used instead.
• Garlic: I use fresh garlic almost always, but garlic powder will also work.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese (or Neufschatel Cheese): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce. Regular cream cheese can be used.
• Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce. Marinara sauce is a great alternative.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor that ties everything together. Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as substitutes.

How To Make One Pot Pasta

1. Combine the ingredients: In a stockpot, mix together the pasta, water, vegetable broth, onions, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Boil: Cover the pot, cook over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil.
3. Cook the pasta: Once boiling, remove the cover and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add creaminess: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the cream cheese and pasta sauce until well combined.
5. Finish: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasonings to taste, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. A fresh Mediterranean salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta, while crusty garlic breadsticks are great for soaking up the delicious sauce.

For a heartier option, serve this one pot pasta alongside baked lobster tails or grilled scallops. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or sauteed broccolini also complement the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a glass of chilled Chardonnay or your favorite white wine to round out the meal!

Proper Storage

This pasta reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.

Easy Pasta Recipes To Try

• Alfredo Pasta with Steak
• Lemon Shrimp Spinach Spaghetti
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Avocado Pesto Pasta

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4.45 from 9 votes

One Pot Pasta

by Katerina | Diethood

This creamy tomato one pot pasta recipe is a perfect dinner idea for busy weeknights! Throw all of your ingredients into one pot, and dinner will be ready in just 20 minutes!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 12 ounces whole grain fettuccine or linguine
• ▢ 2 cups water
• ▢ 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• ▢ 1 large yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
• ▢ ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ▢ 3 ounces low fat cream cheese, or Neufschatel Cheese or regular cream cheese
• ▢ 1½ cups pasta sauce
• ▢ ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, or to taste

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Instructions 

• In a stockpot, combine the pasta with water, vegetable broth, onions, basil leaves, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and cook over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
• Remove the cover and continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and almost all liquid is absorbed; stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and tomato sauce; continue to mix until completely combined.
• Stir in the grated parmesan cheese; taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
• Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

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