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To make this dish, gather these key ingredients: - 300g pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 onion, finely chopped - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These items create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta. The diced tomatoes give the dish its base flavor, while the heavy cream adds a smooth texture. Garlic and onion bring depth, and Italian seasoning ties it all together. You can add extra ingredients to make this dish your own. Here are some fun ideas: - Spinach or kale for added greens - Cherry tomatoes for bursts of freshness - Red pepper flakes for a little heat - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Lemon zest for a bright twist These additions can enhance flavors and textures, making your pasta unique. If you're missing something, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option. - Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor. - Use crushed tomatoes if diced tomatoes are unavailable. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while catering to your needs. You can find the Full Recipe for detailed steps to prepare this delightful meal. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. You will need: - 300g pasta (penne or fusilli works well) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 onion, finely chopped - 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This saves time later. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. It should become soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook it for 1-2 minutes until you smell its rich aroma. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Now, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir again for an even mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it bubbles, add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is well covered in the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and absorb the creamy sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add a bit more vegetable broth or water. This helps keep it creamy. When done, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This lets the sauce thicken. To check if the pasta is done, taste a piece. It should be firm yet tender. If you prefer softer pasta, cook it a minute more. Be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly while it sits. Enjoy your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta! To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream. This adds rich flavor. The key is to add it after cooking the garlic and onion. This way, the cream mixes well with the other ingredients. Stir it in slowly, letting it blend fully. Adding sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. This small step makes a big difference. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it until al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. If you add the pasta too early, it can get mushy. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after cooking. It helps the sauce thicken. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs. Basil or parsley work great. You can also use crushed red pepper for a kick. For a deeper taste, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. It adds complexity without overpowering. Lastly, finish with grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and enhances the dish. For the full experience, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegetarian, skip the Parmesan cheese. Use a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms. These options keep the meal tasty and healthy. If you want more protein, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp. Sauté them in the pan before adding the onion. For a meatless option, try chickpeas or lentils. They pack a protein punch and blend well with the sauce. In spring and summer, fresh tomatoes can replace canned ones. They add a rich, sweet flavor. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or zucchini. These swaps keep your dish fresh and exciting all year round. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember how long it has been stored. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, you can microwave it directly from the freezer. Just add a little extra liquid to help it heat evenly. I recommend using penne or fusilli for this recipe. These shapes hold sauce well. They cook evenly and absorb flavors easily. Rigatoni also works if you prefer a larger pasta. Yes, you can! To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the meal creamy and tasty without dairy. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just make sure it cools down before putting it away. Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even tomato sauce. Just adjust the seasoning as needed. Canned tomatoes are great for convenience and flavor, but fresh adds a nice touch. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also try serving it with steamed veggies for a healthy side. A glass of red wine makes it feel extra special! In this blog post, we explored the essentials you need for One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it creamy. You can customize this dish with add-ons or seasonal swaps. Storing and reheating leftovers was also discussed for your convenience. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or hearty proteins, this pasta dish is easy and flexible. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!

- One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Whip up a delicious One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta in no time with this easy recipe! Perfect for busy nights, this flavorful dish requires minimal cleanup. Gather simple ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and cream for a rich and satisfying meal everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner stress-free and delicious!
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Ingredients
  

300g pasta (penne or fusilli works well)

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

1 can (400g) diced tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large, deep skillet or a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth, then add the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.

          Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste according to your preference.

            Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then add the pasta, stirring to ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid.

              Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the creamy tomato sauce.

                If the pasta looks too dry, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

                  Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.

                    Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

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