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One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce

A comforting bowl of creamy tomato pasta is the perfect meal for a busy day. This one-pot recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce with tender pasta, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan option
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
  1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine the flavors. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the taste. If desired, add a pinch of sugar to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Add the uncooked pasta to the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook in the sauce for 10–12 minutes or until al dente. If needed, add a little more broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute the sauce.
Make it Creamy
  1. Once the pasta is tender, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to create a silky, creamy texture. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Cheese and Season
  1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella until melted and well incorporated. The mozzarella will create a stretchy, cheesy texture that makes this dish irresistible. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve hot with extra cheese if desired. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.