One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce
A smooth and creamy tomato pasta cooked all in one pot, featuring a hidden blend of vegetables to please even the pickiest eaters. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes blends penne pasta, olive oil, medium carrot, peeled and grated into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 grated medium carrot, and 1 grated medium zucchini. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Hidden Veggie Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
