Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Insanely Good in 20 Minutes

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February 13, 2026

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Okay, so you know how much I LOVE a good one-pot meal, right? I mean, who doesn’t?! Especially when it means less cleanup. And trust me, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) is a total game-changer. Seriously! It’s like all the best comfort food rolled into one incredibly easy dish. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there, and I’ve finally landed on the *perfect* version.

My family begs for this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) at least once a week. It’s so quick to throw together, even on those crazy weeknights when you’re starving but also super tired. And the best part? It tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, even though you really didn’t. You just dump everything in one pot and let the magic happen. What could be better than that?!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

  • Seriously easy to make. I’m talking weeknight dinner hero status!
  • One pot = minimal cleanup. YES! More time for Netflix.
  • The creamy tomato garlic sauce? OMG. It’s outta this world.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re hangry!

One-Pot Wonder

Okay, so the best part? Everything cooks together in *one* pot! That means the pasta soaks up all that yummy tomato garlic flavor. Plus, fewer dishes? I’m SO in. Seriously, less scrubbing for the win!

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

I’m not kidding, this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) is FAST. Like, 10 minutes of prep, and then you just let it simmer. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food, like, NOW.

Packed with Flavor

Garlic, tomatoes, creamy sauce…does it get any better? The flavor combo is seriously addictive. And that little kick from the red pepper flakes? Perfection! You’ll be coming back for seconds, trust me.

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this ridiculously easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot). Don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s key! And I always use good quality stuff, it really does make a difference. Here’s the list:

  • 1 pound pasta (I usually go for penne or rotini, but hey, use whatever you like!)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, trust me!)
  • 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white works great)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love a little kick!)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdery kind!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (because it makes everything look fancy!)

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot): Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to make some magic? This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) is seriously simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time! Don’t worry if you mess up a little – it’s pretty forgiving. That’s what I love about it!

Sauté Aromatics

First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. Pour in that olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant – about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!

Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine. This is where the magic starts to happen, folks!

Cook Pasta in Broth

Now, add your pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the broth – add a splash more if needed. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. The pasta should be cooked through and most of the liquid absorbed. If it’s still too soupy after 20 minutes, just cook it uncovered for a few more minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Almost there! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy. Mmm, just look at that! If it’s not creamy enough, add a splash more cream. But be careful, you don’t want it *too* runny!

Garnish and Serve Your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Finally, garnish with fresh basil before serving. And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that? Dig in and enjoy your delicious Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)!

Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Wanna make this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) *extra* amazing? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve. These are the things I’ve learned over many, many batches, and they make a real difference! Trust me!

Choosing the Right Pasta

Okay, so I usually use penne or rotini ’cause they’re kinda classic, but honestly? Use whatever pasta you’ve got! Just keep in mind that different shapes cook at slightly different rates. So, keep an eye on it!

Adjusting the Spice Level

I LOVE a little kick, so I usually throw in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. But if you’re not a fan of spice, just leave ’em out! Or, if you’re feeling brave, add a *pinch* more. Just be careful, a little goes a long way!

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency

This is key! If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to let it reduce. You want it to coat the pasta nicely, not be all watery. You’ll know it when you see it!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot), right? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are a few ideas to get you started. My favorite part is just raiding the fridge and seeing what I can throw in!

Adding Vegetables

Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Of course, you do! Spinach is always a winner – just toss it in during the last minute of cooking so it wilts down. Mushrooms are great too! Sauté them with the onions and garlic for extra flavor. Seriously, whatever you’ve got lurking in the crisper drawer will probably work!

Using Different Cheeses

Parmesan is classic, but why stop there? Asiago cheese would be amazing in this! Or Pecorino Romano. Heck, even a little bit of goat cheese crumbled on top would be delicious! Just experiment and see what you like. Don’t be afraid!

Making it Spicy

Okay, so you want *more* heat? I get it! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Or, for a real kick, use some Calabrian chili paste. Just be careful, that stuff is potent!

FAQ About Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Got questions about this super easy Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)? I got you covered! I’ve made this so many times, I practically dream about it. So, here are some of the most common questions I get asked!

Can I use different types of pasta?

Totally! I usually use penne or rotini because that’s what I have on hand. But you can use pretty much any short pasta shape you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, okay?

How do I store leftovers?

Easy peasy! Just pop the leftover Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You betcha! Just swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based cream alternative (like cashew cream or coconut cream). And, of course, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan substitute. Boom! Vegan comfort food at its finest!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!). Just let the Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it or warm it up on the stove. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of broth or water – that’ll bring it back to life!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! So, just a heads-up that any nutritional info for this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Keep that in mind, okay?

Enjoy Your Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot) as much as my family does. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Now, go ahead and give it a try! And if you do, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Oh, and don’t forget to share it on social media – your friends deserve to know about this easy pasta recipe!

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Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (One Pot)

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta: Insanely Good in 20 Minutes


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  • Author: Tasha
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Enjoy a simple and flavorful Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta made in one pot.


Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth.
  • Add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian

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