One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini) (Short pasta works best to hold the sauce.); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh basil for garnish; 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half.); 1 cup vegetable broth (Add more if the sauce is too thick.); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese for serving (Freshly grated for best flavor.)

Posted on February 23, 2026

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta garnished with fresh basil and cheese

Dinner

introduction

Comforting, speedy, and totally weeknight-friendly—this one pan creamy tomato pasta is the cozy dinner your Pinterest board has been waiting for. Ready in about 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers bright cherry tomatoes, a luscious cream sauce, and fresh basil for a dinner the whole family will ask for again.

If you love easy skillet meals, you’ll also enjoy the rich, slow-cooked flavors in recipes like braised beef neck bones that make busy nights feel special.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ultra-fast: ready in ~20 minutes from start to finish.
Minimal cleanup: everything cooks in one skillet.
Family-friendly: creamy comfort with a fresh tomato pop kids and adults enjoy.
Pantry-friendly: uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
Easy to customize for veggies, proteins, or extra heat.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

Produce

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh basil for garnish

Sauce & Liquid

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup vegetable broth

Spices & Seasoning

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large skillet, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, heavy cream, vegetable broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to a simmer and stir to keep ingredients from sticking.
Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions — One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken or a pan-seared piece of salmon. If you like a contrast of textures, add toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top for crunch. If you love bright, simple tomato dishes, try pairing this with a light tart like the tomato tartine recipe for a beautiful brunch or lunch spread.

Tips for Success — One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Use 8 oz of a short pasta (penne or rotini) so the sauce clings nicely.
Stir occasionally but gently so the pasta doesn’t break; scraping the bottom helps prevent sticking.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth and simmer a minute.
For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil for the best flavor and presentation.
If using a milder dairy, swap half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Try a variation with roasted artichokes and spinach for a veggie-forward twist inspired by lighter pasta dishes like crispy artichoke pasta.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes — short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce. Increase cooking time slightly for larger shapes.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute canned coconut milk or a creamy cashew sauce for the heavy cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely — shredded rotisserie chicken, browned Italian sausage, or canned tuna stirred in at the end all make great additions. For an easy breakfast-for-dinner twist, top with a fried egg like in whimsical morning recipes such as French toast pancakes.