One pot pasta recipes save both time and sanity. I’ve made this creamy tomato version more times than I can count, and it still feels like a little miracle. You toss everything into one pot—pasta, broth, garlic, onions, even the tomatoes—and somehow it all cooks together in harmony. The noodles soak up flavor, the sauce thickens as it simmers, and before you know it, you’ve got dinner on the table without a sink full of dirty dishes. It’s the kind of dish I crave after a long day. The smell of garlic hitting olive oil instantly makes me feel like I’m doing something fancy, even though the whole thing takes less effort than finding a matching pair of socks. And the best part? You don’t need to babysit the pot—just stir it a few times and let the magic happen. If you’ve been searching for Easy One Pot Dinners, One Pot Recipes, or One Pot Pasta Meals that actually taste like comfort food, this recipe is for you. I’ve even played around with One Pot Chicken Recipes, and yep, tossing in shredded chicken works like a charm. So, whether you’re a pasta lover or just someone who hates doing dishes, this one’s a keeper.

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

1) Key Takeaways

Everything cooks in one pot for fewer dishes and less hassle.
The pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks, giving you a creamy sauce without extra effort.
Flexible recipe, you can add chicken, shrimp, or vegetables without changing the core steps.
Ready in about 25 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

2) Easy Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta Recipe

I have a soft spot for one pot pasta recipes. They come to the rescue when I want a dinner that feels like I’ve put in effort without actually spending all night in the kitchen. With this creamy tomato version, the pasta, the sauce, and the seasoning all live together in one pot, bubbling away like they’re having a party. And the best part? Cleanup takes less time than hunting for the lid of a missing Tupperware container.

What makes this recipe special is the way the noodles cook right in the broth and tomato base. Instead of boiling pasta in one pot and building a sauce in another, everything comes together in the same place. The starch from the pasta thickens the liquid naturally, leaving you with a sauce that clings to every bite. It feels indulgent, yet it’s weeknight-friendly.

If you love Easy One Pot Dinners, One Pot Recipes, or One Pot Pasta Meals that double as comfort food, you’ll keep this one close. I’ve tested it with chicken too, and it became one of my favorite One Pot Chicken Recipes without needing to change much. That’s the beauty of recipes like this—they flex around what’s in your fridge and your mood that day.

3) Ingredients for Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta

Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works well here, but use what you love. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor with every swirl of the spoon. It makes the base of this dish, so grab a pasta shape you enjoy.

Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes builds the heart of the sauce. They give body, color, and a touch of sweetness. They blend with the broth to create a rich base that clings to the pasta.

Onion: Sliced onion melts into the sauce as it cooks. It adds a layer of depth without demanding much attention. Thin slices cook evenly and disappear into the background flavor.

Garlic: Thinly sliced cloves release fragrance as soon as they hit the oil. Garlic makes the kitchen smell like an Italian grandma moved in, which is never a bad thing.

Vegetable Broth: Four and a half cups might seem like a lot, but the pasta soaks it up. The broth carries all the seasonings and tomatoes, blending everything into one creamy sauce.

Dried Oregano: Oregano ties the sauce together with a hint of earthiness. It’s that little background note that makes tomato sauces taste like home cooking.

Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough to add warmth, not enough to set your mouth on fire. Adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance.

Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons of olive oil coat the onions and garlic at the start, helping them soften and release flavor. It also enriches the sauce slightly.

Salt and Black Pepper: These finish the base and bring balance. Pasta water might be starchy, but here the seasoning lives directly in the broth and sauce.

Fresh Basil: A handful of basil leaves on top before serving adds freshness and color. It lifts the dish and makes it look as good as it tastes.

Parmesan: Grated Parmesan over the top adds a nutty kick. It melts into the pasta and rounds out the sauce. Don’t skip it if you can help it.

4) How to Make Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta

Step 1. Start by putting the pasta, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper all into one large pot. It feels odd tossing everything in at once, but trust the process. The pasta will cook as the liquid reduces.

Step 2. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. It may look like too much liquid at first, but the pasta drinks it in as it cooks. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks at the bottom.

Step 3. After reaching a boil, reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring every few minutes. You’ll see the liquid thickening and clinging to the pasta as it softens. The smell of garlic and oregano will fill the kitchen.

Step 4. After 9 to 12 minutes, check the pasta. It should be al dente, with just a bit of bite left. At this point, most of the liquid will have evaporated into a silky sauce. If you prefer extra saucy pasta, add a splash of broth before serving.

Step 5. Divide the pasta among bowls, top with fresh basil, and sprinkle with Parmesan. The dish looks like it took hours, but really you’ve spent less than half an hour from start to finish.

5) Tips for Making Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta

Don’t be tempted to use less liquid at the start. The pasta needs the broth to soften and release its starch. If you add less, you’ll end up with undercooked noodles. Trust the one pot method—it works every time.

Stirring matters. A good stir every few minutes prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom. It also helps the sauce coat each strand evenly. The action doesn’t take long and keeps everything cooking smoothly.

Want protein? Add shredded chicken near the end of cooking. It turns this into one of those one pot chicken recipes that tastes like you planned ahead. Shrimp or sausage also work well without adding more pans.

6) Making Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta Ahead of Time

I’ve made this pasta ahead when I knew the evening would be busy. The sauce keeps well in the fridge, and the flavors seem to deepen overnight. To prepare, cook as usual and store in a container. When ready to serve, reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

If you want the pasta firmer, stop cooking it just before it reaches al dente. That way, when reheated, it finishes cooking to the perfect texture. It’s one of the perks of using one pot pasta recipes—they adapt easily for meal prep.

Skip adding basil until just before serving. Fresh herbs lose color and punch when left in the fridge too long. A quick sprinkle right before you eat makes the dish feel fresh again.

7) Storing Leftover Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta

Leftovers taste even better the next day. The sauce thickens slightly as it sits, wrapping around the pasta in a richer layer. Store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. It makes weekday lunches easy and comforting.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. It will taste almost as good as the first night, maybe better.

If you plan to freeze, portion it into containers. It freezes for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. The pasta softens slightly, but the flavor holds up well.

8) Try these pasta recipes next!

9) Creamy Tomato One Pot Pasta