One Pot Creamy Pasta (ready in 15 minutes)

This One Pot Creamy Pasta is like my lifeline. It’s ready in 15 minutes, I typically have all of the ingredients on hand and it is also gluten free-friendly and dairy-free.

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make – this one pot creamy pasta is about to be your new go-to dinner recipe. It’s creamy, comforting, and comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pan. That’s right — no separate pot for boiling pasta, no colander, no stress. Just simple, real ingredients that simmer together to create the dreamiest creamy pasta sauce ever.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you just want a quick meal that feels like a big warm hug, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s made with rigatoni (or any pasta you have on hand), a tomato-cream sauce, a handful of spinach, and a few pantry staples you probably already have. And since it’s all made in one pot, cleanup is an absolute breeze.

Let’s get into all the details – from what you’ll need to make it, to step-by-step cooking tips, and ideas for customizing it for your family.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Pasta

There are so many reasons why I’m obsessed with this recipe, but here are the top few:

1. Minimal cleanup.
Everything – from boiling the pasta to making the sauce – happens in one pot. You literally only need one pan and a spoon. That’s it.

2. Creamy, dreamy texture.
The combination of broth, coconut milk (or heavy cream), and tomato sauce creates the perfect balance of richness and acidity. The sauce thickens naturally as the pasta cooks, coating every bite perfectly.

3. Quick and foolproof.
This meal goes from stovetop to table in about 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you’re juggling a million things.

4. Customizable.
You can add cooked sausage, chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini – whatever you’re craving or have in the fridge.

5. Family-approved.
My kids absolutely devour this one. It’s creamy, not too spicy, and full of flavor – but you can easily spice it up for adults with red pepper flakes or extra garlic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a big pot of creamy pasta deliciousness. Here’s what goes into it:

• Olive oil – for sautéing and flavor.

• Rigatoni – or any short pasta you love, like penne or fusilli.

• Broth – chicken, vegetable, or even bone broth for extra protein.

• Coconut milk – or use heavy cream if you prefer dairy.

• Garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better.

• Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that ties everything together.

• Tomato sauce  – a simple can of tomato sauce creates the perfect base.

• 5 ounces baby spinach – adds a pop of color, nutrients, and freshness.

• Salt and black pepper – to taste.

• Red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat.

This recipe makes about 3–4 servings, depending on portion size, and can easily be doubled for meal prep or a family dinner.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pasta

Let’s walk through exactly how to make this from start to finish. It’s seriously simple, but these small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. You want enough room for the pasta to move around as it cooks, since it will absorb liquid and expand.

Step 2: Add the pasta and liquids

Next, add the uncooked rigatoni, broth, coconut milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce directly into the skillet.

Yup, everything goes in together – no need to boil the pasta first! Give everything a good stir so the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. This will help it cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavor.

Step 3: Simmer and cook

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The pasta will slowly absorb the liquid while the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Be sure to stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom – especially in those first few minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is “al dente” – tender but still has a little bite.

Step 4: Add the spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, toss in the baby spinach. Stir well, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts down to your liking.

This is also a great time to taste the sauce – add a pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

Step 5: Adjust the texture

If you want a thicker, creamier sauce, simply keep the pot on the heat for a few more minutes with the lid off. The extra liquid will evaporate, leaving you with an ultra-rich, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

Once you reach your ideal consistency, remove from heat and serve immediately.

The Perfect Creamy Pasta Texture

The secret to that luscious, creamy texture is in how everything cooks together. When pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it releases starch into the liquid – naturally thickening the sauce without any flour or cornstarch. That’s why one pot pasta recipes have such a silky, cohesive texture that you just can’t get when you cook the noodles separately.

If you find your sauce is too thick before the pasta is done, just add a splash of extra broth or water. On the other hand, if it’s too thin after cooking, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.

Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins

This recipe is super flexible, which makes it a staple in our weeknight rotation. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Protein options:

• Add sliced chicken sausage, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken to make it heartier.

• For a vegetarian boost, toss in some white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

Veggie ideas:

• Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers at the beginning.

• Add roasted cherry tomatoes or broccoli near the end for extra flavor and color.

Creamy swaps:

• If you’re not dairy-free, swap coconut milk for heavy cream or half and half.

• Want it even cheesier? Stir in grated parmesan or shredded mozzarella at the end until melted and gooey.

Flavor upgrades:

• Add a spoonful of pesto for a herby twist.

• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a little tang.

• Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a bright finish.

What to Serve With One Pot Creamy Pasta

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few sides if you’re looking to round it out:

• Garlic bread or sourdough toast – for soaking up all that amazing sauce.

• Simple side salad – something crisp and tangy balances the creamy pasta perfectly.

• Roasted vegetables – like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus.

You can also serve this as a side with your favorite protein, like baked salmon or grilled chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house), this one pot creamy pasta stores beautifully.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen the sauce, then warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

Tips for Making the Best One Pot Pasta Every Time

1. Use enough liquid.
   The pasta should be mostly submerged so it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor.

2. Stir frequently.
   Especially during the first few minutes – it prevents sticking and ensures a silky sauce.

3. Taste and adjust.
   Every brand of tomato sauce and broth is a little different, so always taste before serving and adjust the salt or spice level.

4. Finish with something fresh.
   A squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle of parmesan on top right before serving adds the perfect finishing touch.

Why One Pot Creamy Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

There’s something so satisfying about tossing everything into one pot and letting it cook together – no stress, no juggling multiple pans. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally, so every bite is creamy and rich without feeling heavy. It’s family-friendly, adaptable, and just the kind of cozy meal we all crave after a long day.

This one pot creamy pasta is comfort food at its finest: easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can make it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep it for the week, or serve it up with a salad and wine for an at-home date night. However you enjoy it, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.