One Pot Rotini Pasta

Easy, creamy, and oh-so cheesy this one-pot pasta simmers the pasta in a rich creamy tomato sauce. It’s the perfect 30 minute meal.

close up of creamy One Pot Pasta in a pot with a spoon

Flavor: This recipe has a fresh and tangy tomato sauce with a bit of richness from the cream.
Skill level: It’s a simple one-pot meal, great for cooks of all levels.
Cooking time: The cooking time can vary by a few minutes based on the size of your pot. Note that the sauce will thicken upon standing from the starches of the pasta.
Prep note: If you swap the pasta, you may need a bit more or less cooking time.
Yield: This recipe serves four as a meal or eight as a side dish. It reheats beautifully for lunches if you’ve got leftovers.

Ingredient Tips for One Pot Pasta

Pasta: I use rotini because the ridges hold the sauce. Other great choices for noodles are penne, bowtie, linguine, fusilli, cavatappi, or medium shells—adjust cooking time and liquid as needed.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes have a tart fresh flavor. It can be replaced with pasta sauce, which is a bit sweeter.
Cream: Be sure you’re using heavy cream so it doesn’t curdle in the tomatoes.
Seasoning: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes flavor the sauce. If adding fresh herbs like basil, add it just before serving.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor, but you can top it with some Mozzarella for a creamy melt, too.

adding garlic and seasoning to pot to make One Pot Pasta

adding pasta , tomato paste and cream to pot to make One Pot Pasta

Variations

Saute onion, broccoli florets, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and sliced carrots in Step 1 for a healthy and filling dish. Add some fresh basil leaves, oregano, or rosemary.

Beef it up! Add some chopped chicken, Italian sausage, or ground beef to stretch this dish even further.

plated One Pot Pasta with pot full in the back

Leftover Pasta?

Keep leftover one-pot pasta in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little milk mixed in to loosen the sauce.
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe since thawed pasta tends to get mushy, but this dish is so easy, start fresh!

Perfect Pasta Recipes

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close up of One Pot Pasta in a green pot with a spoon

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In this one pot pasta recipe rotini is cooked in a quick creamy tomato sauce for the perfect meal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir in uncooked pasta, 2 ½ cups broth, crushed tomatoes, cream, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered until the pasta is cooked through, adding more broth if needed*, about 14-18 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in parmesan cheese. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Add enough broth to keep it saucy as the pasta will thicken as it rests.
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine American

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