How To Make A One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 16 oz Spaghetti (dry spaghetti)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
• 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 container Cherry Tomatoes (halved (about 2 cups))
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
• 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, plus extra for finishing)
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (regular tomato paste)
• 3 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
• 0.25 cup Reserved Pasta Water (saved from cooking the spaghetti)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (balances acidity)
• 5 leaves Fresh Basil (torn)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta

   Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a rolling boil, then add the 16 oz spaghetti and cook for 10 minutes until al dente.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

2. Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

   Before draining, scoop out ¼ cup of the hot pasta water and set aside, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

   Time: PT2M

3. Heat Oil

   Return the empty pot to the stove, lower to medium heat, and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: medium

4. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

   Add the minced garlic and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Time: PT30S

   Temperature: medium

5. Cook Tomatoes

   Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: medium

6. Add Tomato Paste

   Mix in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium

7. Incorporate Cream Cheese

   Lower the heat to low and add the softened 3 oz cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: low

8. Add Cream and Pasta Water

   Pour in ½ cup heavy whipping cream and the reserved ¼ cup pasta water. Season with a little more salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir for 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: low

9. Finish Sauce with Parmesan and Sugar

   Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ½ tsp sugar. Cook for another minute until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: low

10. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked spaghetti back into the pot. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: low

11. Finish with Basil

    Tear a few fresh basil leaves and fold them into the pasta. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

4 g