This is the easiest Creamy One Pot Pasta you will ever make. Prep takes under 10 minutes and the whole dish is ready in about 30 minutes—just add everything to a pot, stir, and let it cook. It’s a quick, comforting dinner with a rich, parmesan cream sauce.
If you like pasta but prefer minimal fuss, this EASY Creamy One Pot Pasta is for you. Toss the ingredients into a pot, bring it to a simmer, and in about 20 minutes dinner is done. Simple, fast, and seriously delicious.
Who wouldn’t be down for that?
If you enjoy one-pot meals, try other favorites like a 20 Minute One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta or One Pot Chicken Alfredo—both great options when you want a fast, satisfying dinner.
Why You Will Love this Creamy One Pot Pasta Recipe
- So simple to make. This is truly a dump-and-stir recipe: add the ingredients to a pot, bring to a simmer, and finish with cream and Parmesan. Minimal prep, familiar pantry ingredients, and easy cleanup.
- Ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that cooks while you handle other tasks—perfect when time is short.
- Highly adaptable. Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, extra vegetables, or different cheeses to change the flavor profile. It’s easy to make this dish differently each time.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Short shapes like rotini, penne, or ziti work best. Use what you have and check doneness around 10–13 minutes so it doesn’t overcook. Whole wheat pasta works well too.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is preferred; frozen spinach can be used if you thaw and drain it first.
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning is convenient and flavorful. A mix of basil, oregano, and a pinch of rosemary works, plus salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth both work. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version and check your Parmesan if strict vegetarian rules apply.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and gives the creamiest texture.
- Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and prevents a watery sauce; half-and-half can be used but will be lighter.
Step-by-step Instructions:
Step 1: In a large pot combine all ingredients except the cream and Parmesan. The pasta should be uncooked. Stir to combine so the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 2: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook about 13–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly al dente.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream and grated Parmesan slowly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Simmer a few minutes to thicken the sauce. Stir in chopped fresh basil right before serving and top with extra Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Control the boil: If the pot is boiling too vigorously, lower the heat and stir to keep a gentle simmer.
- Keep some liquid: Some broth will evaporate—if the pot looks almost dry while the pasta is still firm, add 1/2 cup more broth to prevent sticking.
- Cheese variations: Mix Parmesan with Romano, Asiago, or another hard cheese for extra flavor.
Storage
This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Leftovers often taste even better after the flavors meld. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore a saucy texture.
Freezing is possible for up to 3 months, but the pasta may soften when thawed. To freeze with better texture, cook the pasta just under al dente before mixing and cooling it for storage.
Ways to Vary This One Pot Pasta
Here are simple ways to change the dish to suit your tastes:
- Add Italian sausage—brown it first or use pre-cooked slices.
- Include extra vegetables like red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme for brighter flavor.
- Swap or add cheeses—Romano, Asiago, or fresh mozzarella on top are all great choices.
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein.
Try these other simple dinners:
- Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Parmesan Instant Pot Pasta
- Easy One Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Easy Baked Pasta Dinner with Spinach and Mushrooms
- Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner
- Parmesan Crusted One Pan Chicken Dinner
- 15 Minute Lentil Sloppy Joe’s Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social channels for more easy recipes and updates.
Creamy One Pot Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz. short pasta (uncooked), rotini, penne, ziti, etc.
- 3 cups vegetable broth (chicken works too)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, do not drain (approx. 14 oz.)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups chopped baby spinach, fresh (loosely packed)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2–3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream, more as desired
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the Parmesan and cream. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook about 13–15 minutes, until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cream and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy, then simmer a few minutes to thicken. Stir in chopped basil just before serving and top with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
If the pasta boils too vigorously, lower the heat and stir more often.
If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is tender, add about ½ cup more broth to prevent sticking.
Try different hard cheeses alongside Parmesan for more depth of flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.
Shop This Post
Box Grater
Dutch Oven Pot
Garlic Press
Pyrex Measuring Cup