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- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - ½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Large pot - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting. - Use a pot with a good non-stick surface to prevent sticking. The ingredients play a key role in this dish. The penne pasta serves as a sturdy base. Olive oil adds richness and flavor. Chopped onions and minced garlic bring depth to your sauce. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but you can skip them if you prefer mild flavors. Crushed tomatoes create a smooth, tangy sauce. Vegetable broth gives it body and enhances the tomato taste. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy and rich. Dried basil and oregano add classic Italian herbs that elevate the dish. Salt and black pepper are important for seasoning. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, while fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish. For equipment, a large pot is a must. A wooden spoon helps you stir without scratching your pot. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get your ingredients right. Before you start cooking, I suggest prepping your ingredients. Chop and measure everything. This will make your cooking process smoother. Using a non-stick pot helps keep the pasta from clumping together. Enjoy the cooking journey! First, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and, if you like some heat, stir in the red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the garlic release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. This mix is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. Add the dried basil and oregano for flavor. Stir everything well to combine. This step is key for an even taste throughout the dish. Increase the heat slightly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Once it's simmering, add the penne pasta. Make sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Check for al dente pasta, where it should be firm but not hard. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish creamy and cheesy. Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you prefer. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to adjust the consistency. Finally, serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get a smooth sauce, use fresh cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and avoids lumps. After adding cream, taste the sauce. You might need to adjust the seasoning. A little salt or pepper can really elevate the flavors. While cooking, stir the pasta often. This keeps it from sticking together. Check the pasta for doneness one or two minutes before the time listed. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. Feel free to play with spices. Adding Italian seasoning gives your dish a nice twist. For a touch of brightness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar. It lifts the taste and adds depth. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight. {{image_4}} You can make your pasta heartier by adding protein. - Include cooked chicken or shrimp for more substance. - If you prefer, substitute with vegetarian options like chickpeas. Adding protein boosts flavor and nutrition. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it last. For a plant-based option, chickpeas add great texture and taste. Want a vegan version? It’s simple! - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Coconut cream gives a nice richness without dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor. This keeps your dish creamy and delicious. Plus, it’s better for the planet. Change up the pasta for variety. - Experiment with fusilli, rigatoni, or gluten-free options. - Adjust cooking time depending on pasta type. Fusilli and rigatoni hold the sauce well. If you choose gluten-free pasta, follow the package instructions for timing. This keeps your dish tasty and fun! For the full recipe, check out One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight. After you enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. For the best flavor, use it within 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, cool the pasta completely before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. When it’s time to eat your frozen pasta, reheat it on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Try to avoid the microwave, as it can make the pasta dry and less tasty. - Prep time: 10 min - Cook time: 15 min - Total time: 25 min - Yes, crushed or diced canned tomatoes work well. They are easy to use and save time. Just pour them in, and you’re good to go! - Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh salad adds crunch, while garlic bread brings warmth. Both enhance the meal. - Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check all other ingredients for gluten content. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. - Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat level. You can make a delicious one-pot creamy tomato pasta with simple steps and key ingredients. From sautéing onions to adding fresh basil, each step builds rich flavors. Remember, adjusting seasonings and using fresh cheese make a big difference. Whether you add protein or make it vegan, this dish suits your taste. Store leftovers smartly or freeze for later. With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, you have an easy meal ready fast. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress family and friends with this tasty pasta!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight! This quick and easy recipe combines penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, you’ll love how simple it is to create this delicious dish all in one pot.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste, optional)

1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

    Add Garlic and Spice: Stir in the minced garlic and, if using, the red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma but taking care not to burn it.

      Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Add the dried basil and oregano. Stir everything well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

        Cook the Pasta: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.

          Cover and Simmer: Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, checking until the pasta reaches an al dente consistency and most of the liquid is absorbed.

            Finish the Dish: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.

              Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash more vegetable broth or cream, stirring until you achieve your desired consistency.

                Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, adorned with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4