There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy tomato pasta. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal to impress guests with minimal effort, or simply a way to use up pantry staples, this dish delivers every time. The rich, velvety sauce clings to the pasta perfectly, bringing together the sweetness of tomatoes, the richness of cream, and the bold flavors of garlic and herbs.

What makes this dish even better? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Let’s dive into this creamy, dreamy pasta recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Rich & creamy – The sauce is silky smooth with just the right amount of tang from the tomatoes.
• Family-friendly – A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will love.
• Uses pantry staples – Made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Versatile – Can be customized with protein, veggies, or different types of pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pasta – 12 oz (such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
• Crushed tomatoes – 1 can (14 oz)
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
• Heavy cream – ¾ cup
• Vegetable broth – ½ cup
• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt & black pepper – To taste
• Fresh basil – For garnish

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for about a minute, stirring frequently to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently heat through without boiling. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Salt your pasta water well. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Use quality tomatoes. The better the tomatoes, the richer the sauce. Look for canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste.
• Don’t skip the pasta water. It helps to loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
• For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Make it dairy-free by swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian (with dairy-free option)

Notes

• If you like a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the original texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth or cream to refresh it.

Can I freeze creamy tomato pasta?
While the sauce itself freezes well, pasta tends to become mushy after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work beautifully.

Can I make this without cream?
Absolutely! You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze just the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess.

Related Recipes

If you loved this creamy tomato pasta, you might also enjoy:

• Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Crock Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Conclusion

This creamy tomato pasta is a go-to recipe for busy nights, cozy dinners, and impressing guests with minimal effort. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with proteins and veggies, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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