15-Minute One-Pot Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (Easy Vegetarian Dinner)

If you are looking for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner that requires zero effort and minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is about to become your new favorite recipe.

The best part? You don't even need to boil the pasta separately. Everything cooks in just one pot in less than 15 minutes, leaving you with a rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It is 100% pure vegetarian, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights!

✨ Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • One Pot: No colander, no extra pans, which means less dishwashing.
  • Super Fast: Ready from kitchen to table in 15 minutes flat.
  • Pantry Staples: Uses basic ingredients you probably already have at home.

🛒 Ingredients You Will Need

  • Pasta: 2 cups (Penne, Fusilli, or Spaghetti work best)
  • Tomatoes: 1 cup pureed tomatoes or canned tomato sauce
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, finely minced (adjust to your taste!)
  • Heavy Cream / Fresh Cream: ¼ cup (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • Olive Oil / Butter: 1 tablespoon
  • Liquid: 2.5 cups of Vegetable broth or water
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp Chili flakes, Salt, and Black pepper to taste
  • Garnish: Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of vegetarian parmesan/processed cheese (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat the olive oil or butter in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic turns golden and fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
  2. Step 2: Build the Base Pour in the tomato puree, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the raw smell of the tomatoes disappears.
  3. Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquid Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). Give it a good stir. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged under the liquid.
  4. Step 4: Simmer and Cook Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for 9 to 11 minutes.
    💡 Pro Tip: Stir the pasta every 2–3 minutes to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Step 5: Make it Creamy Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Pour in the fresh cream and stir well. The residual heat will turn the tomato base into a gorgeous, silky, orange-pink sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or grated cheese, and serve hot!

💡 Expert Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Pasta

  • Don't over-drain: If the sauce looks too thick at the end, splash in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water or milk to loosen it up.
  • Veggie up: Feel free to throw in a handful of fresh baby spinach or sliced mushrooms during Step 2 to add some greens to your meal!

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