If you’re searching for a show-stopping comfort meal that’s both quick and irresistibly creamy, the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine silky noodles, bathed in a luscious tomato cream sauce, matched with the savory depth of sautéed onion and garlic, and all brought together in a single pot. Whether you’re feeding family or simply indulging yourself, this recipe promises rich flavor with minimal fuss and, best of all, almost no cleanup. This is the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe so magical is that every ingredient pulls its weight, adding layers of flavor, creaminess, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful hints to make each element shine.
- Pasta (12 oz spaghetti or linguine): Choose your favorite long pasta—the sauce clings beautifully to both spaghetti and linguine.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Brings bright tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness; no need to drain, the juices are important for the sauce.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups): Use broth instead of water to infuse the pasta with savory goodness from the very first bite.
- Heavy Cream or Half‑and‑Half (1 cup): For that dreamy, silky texture—feel free to use either cream or half‑and‑half based on your preference for richness.
- Onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and depth after just a few minutes of sautéing.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a big flavor boost; it’s the backbone of the dish’s aroma.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup, chopped): Adds a fragrant, peppery freshness and gorgeous color at the finish.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): A drizzle to start the sauté, plus extra for serving if you like a glossy finish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): For those who enjoy subtle heat—totally optional, but totally delightful.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for making every flavor pop—taste and adjust as you go!
- Black Pepper (½ tsp): Provides a gentle, earthy kick right at the end.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup grated, plus more for serving): Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty richness you’ll love.
How to Make Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a deep skillet or large pot. Add the sliced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This gentle sauté brings out their natural sweetness!
Step 2: Welcome the Garlic and Heat
Next, stir in your minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Sauté for just 30 seconds; you’ll know it’s ready when the garlic releases its mouthwatering aroma—don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, vegetable or chicken broth, and heavy cream or half‑and‑half. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine. You’ll start to see everything melding into a rosy, inviting sauce.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Break the spaghetti or linguine in half, then add directly to the pot. Press the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. This is the beauty of the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe—the pasta soaks up all this creamy flavor as it cooks!
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Turn up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to medium‑low. Simmer, stirring frequently (this keeps everything from sticking), for 10–12 minutes. The pasta will become al dente, and the sauce will thicken to a beautifully creamy consistency.
Step 6: Fold in Basil and Cheese
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan. The basil adds an instant hit of summer freshness, and the cheese melts into the sauce for that extra touch of indulgence. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper, then serve right away while everything’s hot and silky.
How to Serve Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle each bowl with additional Parmesan cheese and a few more torn basil leaves. If you love a little extra richness, a quick drizzle of good olive oil is delightful. Even freshly cracked black pepper makes each plate feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or with garlic bread for soaking up every bit of that dreamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top, or in a rustic skillet straight from stove to table for a cozy, family-style touch. For date night, plate it with a twirl and a few edible flowers or microgreens atop for an elegant effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container once it’s cooled. The creamy sauce will thicken a bit in the fridge, but it keeps well for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or second dinner.
Freezing
While the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze small portions if needed. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate a little upon thawing (a quick stir usually brings it back).
Reheating
Gently reheat pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring regularly—you’ll be amazed how creamy it stays!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices for the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe, shorter shapes like penne or fusilli will work; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
If you’d like a lighter option, use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese a little—your sauce will still be rich and flavorful but with less fat.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
The key is to stir frequently while the pasta cooks and ensure it’s fully coated and submerged in the sauce. This not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve that perfect creaminess.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Of course! Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream or unsweetened non-dairy milk. Sub in your favorite vegan Parmesan, and you’ll have a fantastic dairy-free version of the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe.
What proteins can I add for extra heartiness?
Diced cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or drained canned white beans all mix in beautifully—simply stir in your protein towards the end so it warms through while staying tender.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give the Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe a whirl—it’s simple, adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you’ve tasted this delicious combination of comfort and convenience, it’s sure to become a staple at your table. Enjoy every creamy, saucy twirl!
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Creamy One‑Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy one-pot pasta dinner is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining spaghetti or linguine with diced tomatoes, cream, fresh basil, and Parmesan, all simmered together in one pot, it delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a lusciously creamy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Onions: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate Liquid Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Add Pasta: Break the pasta in half and add it to the pot. Gently push the pasta into the liquid so it is mostly submerged, allowing it to cook evenly.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Basil and Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer, swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- This recipe works with either vegetable or chicken broth.
- Stir the pasta often for a smooth, creamy sauce and to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg