Short Description
Golden penne toasted to perfection, then simmered in a savory broth and enriched with garlic, tomato, butter, and Parmesan—delivering a creamy pasta without needing separate sauce or multiple pots.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Intensely flavorful thanks to toasting the pasta before cooking
- Rich and creamy with minimal ingredients and effort
- One-pot method means less washing up
- Easily made vegan or dairy-based to suit your preference

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups dry penne
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2–3 Tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup finely grated vegan Parmesan (or regular)
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Toast the Pasta
Heat avocado oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add dry penne in a single layer and toast, stirring often, until it becomes deep golden brown—about 5–7 minutes—being careful not to burn it. - Cook in Broth
Pour in vegetable broth, immediately cover, and reduce heat to medium‑low. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Add Flavorings
Remove the lid. Stir in butter, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 30–60 seconds until the butter melts and garlic turns fragrant. - Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. - Adjust Seasoning
If too thick, add hot water 1 Tbsp at a time until you reach a silky consistency. Season with black pepper and salt «only if needed» (the broth or Parmesan may already provide enough salt). - Serve
Divide pasta into warm bowls. Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Servings And Timing
- Serves: 2–3
- Prep Time: ~5 minutes
- Cook Time: ~15–18 minutes
- Total Time: ~20–23 minutes
Variations
- Use other short pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- Stir in chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, or cooked mushrooms after the final step.
- Add fresh basil, oregano, or lemon zest for brightness.
- Swap tomato paste for vegan pesto or sun‑dried tomato paste for a twist.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk or almond cream.
Storage/Reheating
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a dash of broth or water to recreate creaminess—avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs
Can I toast other types of pasta?
Yes—short shapes like fusilli, shells, or penne work best for even browning.
Do I need to stir while toasting pasta?
Yes—constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even color and flavor.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add hot water or more broth gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes—use vegan butter and vegan Parmesan. Plant-based broths and oils are naturally vegan.
Why add tomato paste later?
Adding tomato paste after garlic helps it cook slightly and blend into the sauce without becoming bitter.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild—only a pinch of chili flakes is used. Increase flakes for more heat if preferred.
Can I prep in advance?
You can measure and toast pasta ahead, but best to cook steps just before eating.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free penne to make it gluten-free; check other ingredients for certification if needed.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Ensure you use a wide enough pan and stir during cooking—toast evenly and maintain enough broth to hydrate the pasta.
Can I add protein?
Yes—stir in cooked beans, tofu cubes, chickpeas, or pre-cooked plant-based sausage when adding garlic for a heartier meal.
Conclusion
Toasted One‑Pot Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple, comforting dish with deep flavor and minimal effort. Toasted pasta creates a toasty base, while garlic, tomato paste, and Parmesan build a creamy, luscious sauce—all in one pan. Versatile, quick, and delicious, it’s a weeknight winner any time.
Print
Toasted One‑Pot Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 20–23 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Penne toasted to golden perfection, then simmered in broth and flavored with garlic, tomato paste, butter, and Parmesan—delivering creamy, savory pasta in one pot with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
2 cups dry penne
1 Tbsp avocado oil
2 cups vegetable broth
2–3 Tbsp vegan butter (or regular butter)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup finely grated vegan Parmesan (or regular)
Pinch chili flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add dry penne and toast, stirring constantly, until deep golden brown (5–7 minutes).
- Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and reduce heat to medium‑low. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove lid. Stir in butter, garlic, and chili flakes (if using) and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and Parmesan until the sauce turns glossy and creamy.
- If sauce is too thick, add hot water 1 Tbsp at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper only if needed.
- Serve amid garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use other short pasta shapes like shells or fusilli for variety.
- Add greens, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes after cooking for freshness.
- Stir in coconut milk or pesto for creativity.
- Use vegan options to keep the dish plant-based.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg