Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
If you love bold flavor with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Smoked Tomato Pasta is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s creamy, smoky, slightly tangy, and irresistibly comforting — all made in a single pot. The tomatoes simmer down into a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a subtle smoky depth that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
What makes this pasta stand out is the layered flavor. The smoked tomatoes add a gentle charred essence that transforms a simple cream sauce into something modern and trendy. As the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it absorbs every bit of that smoky, savory goodness. The result? Tender noodles coated in a glossy, creamy tomato sauce with just the right balance of richness and brightness.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or casual dinner parties. It feels impressive but requires minimal effort. At approximately 500–600 calories per serving, it’s hearty, satisfying, and deeply comforting without being overly heavy.
One-Pot Smoked Tomato Pasta Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a key role in building that creamy, smoky flavor profile while keeping the recipe simple and approachable.
Penne or Rigatoni (12 oz) – Short pasta shapes hold the creamy smoked tomato sauce beautifully.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Forms the base of the sauce and enhances richness.
Smoked Tomatoes (2 cups, fire-roasted or smoked cherry tomatoes) – The star ingredient. Adds depth, slight char, and concentrated tomato flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Brings bold aromatic warmth.
Shallot or Small Onion (1, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and balance.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the smoky undertones.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – Adds herbaceous depth.
Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste) – Essential for seasoning throughout.
Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds subtle warmth.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional) – For a gentle spicy kick.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (3 cups) – Cooks the pasta and infuses flavor.
Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates the velvety, creamy texture.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup) – Adds salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Brightens and balances the smokiness.
Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon, optional) – Adds extra gloss and richness.
Fresh Spinach (1–2 cups, optional) – Adds color and nutrition.
How to Make One-Pot Smoked Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallot or onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and Italian seasoning to bloom the spices in the oil.
Step 2: Build the Smoky Tomato Base
Add the smoked tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and let cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor and enhances the smoky notes.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring to ensure it’s mostly submerged in liquid.
Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will cook directly in the broth, absorbing flavor as the sauce thickens.
The texture should become creamy as the starch releases from the pasta.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
If using butter, add it now for extra richness. Fold in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt gently.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be creamy, slightly thick, and glossy, coating the pasta evenly.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving.
Serving Suggestions
One-Pot Smoked Tomato Pasta makes a stunning centerpiece dish for both casual and elevated dinners. For a relaxed family-style meal, serve it straight from the pot at the table, garnished generously with fresh basil and extra cheese. The creamy red sauce contrasted with bright green herbs creates a visually inviting presentation.
Pair it with warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of the smoky cream sauce. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus also complement the smoky tomato flavors beautifully.
For entertaining, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and top with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even burrata on top for an elevated twist. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds vibrant color and subtle heat.
You can also turn this into a modern dinner party dish by serving smaller portions as a first course before a protein main. Its trendy smoky flavor profile makes it feel current and exciting while still comforting and approachable.
Storage + Meal Prep
This pasta stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because the pasta continues to absorb sauce as it sits, you may need to add a splash of broth, milk, or cream when reheating. Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing is possible, though cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing. If planning to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the pasta so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.
For meal prep, portion into individual containers and top with fresh basil just before serving. You can also prepare the smoked tomato base ahead of time and cook the pasta fresh when ready to eat for optimal texture.
Refreshing leftovers with a squeeze of lemon juice or extra Parmesan can brighten flavors on day two.
Conclusion
One-Pot Smoked Tomato Pasta proves that bold, modern flavor doesn’t require complicated steps. With its creamy texture, smoky undertones, and vibrant herbs, this dish feels both comforting and trendy at the same time.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend dinner, or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal cleanup. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, experiment with spice levels, and make it your own. One bite of that smoky, creamy sauce, and it just might become your new go-to dinner favorite.
