Kid-Approved One-Pot Tomato Pasta with Butter and Peas

This one-pot buttery tomato pasta with peas has become a weeknight lifesaver in our home. It was inspired by a “Super Tomato Pasta” my kids devoured at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant during our trip to London — an actual clean-plate moment! I recreated it using just a handful of simple ingredients, and now it’s one of our go-to meals when I want something quick, cozy, and nourishing with minimal cleanup.

The best part? Everything cooks in one pot—no draining, no fuss. The pasta soaks up the tomatoey goodness as it cooks, while the peas add natural sweetness that kids really love. It’s buttery, comforting, and done in about 20 minutes. A total win for busy parents.

The base is super flexible, too—you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. A little butter adds richness, and the combination of tomato, garlic, and oregano gives it a flavor that’s both familiar and loved by little ones. If you’ve got a picky eater at home, this is a great way to sneak in some veggies without complaints.

One-pot tomato pasta with butter and peas, cooked with onions, garlic, and oregano, served in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 200g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped

• 200g canned or chopped tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• A handful of frozen peas

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 500 ml hot water or vegetable broth

• Optional: grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add 500 ml water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the pasta directly into the pot. Stir well.

Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (10–12 minutes). Add a splash more water if needed.

Add the frozen peas during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. Stir in a little more butter if you like and serve with grated cheese on top.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies on the side. And it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day!