Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, comforting, and outrageously easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a luscious, velvety tomato sauce clinging to every strand of pasta in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this is one of those dishes that always satisfies without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: It’s a one-pan kind of night—boil the pasta, stir the sauce, combine. That’s it. No complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Creamy and Dreamy: The sauce is silky and rich without being heavy, thanks to the balance of cream and tangy tomatoes.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: You’ll go from craving to digging in faster than your takeout could even be delivered.
• Customizable: Add-ins? Sure. Swap ingredients? Totally. Make it yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want on hand before diving in:

• Pasta: Choose something that holds sauce well—penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti works beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that delicious aromatic base and depth to the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and bring out its flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Tomato paste: For that deep, concentrated tomato flavor. It creates the rich backbone of the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: These give the sauce body and a vibrant tomato flavor without being chunky.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter touch.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and saltiness that enhances every bite.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
• Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of herbs at the end adds freshness and color.

Variations

Want to shake things up? This recipe is flexible!

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage.
• Go Vegetarian Deluxe: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-forward version.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice heat if you like things a little bolder.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute and skip the cheese.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Don’t let it boil—just a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat every piece. Stir in grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Don’t Skimp on Tomato Paste: It adds richness and depth you can’t get from tomatoes alone.
• Reserve a Splash of Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, that starchy water can loosen it without watering down the flavor.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a big difference in a simple sauce like this one.

How to Serve

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can elevate the meal even further:

Bread:

Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Salad:

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Wine Pairing:

A light red like Pinot Noir or even a chilled glass of white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce on its own (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back that creamy texture. The microwave works too—just cover and reheat in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Whole milk is better than skim. For a creamier texture with milk, add a little butter or cream cheese.

What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?
Short, ridged pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal because it holds onto the creamy sauce, but really, any pasta will work!

Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter, plant-based cream (like coconut or oat), and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

How do I avoid curdling the cream?
Make sure the tomato sauce is not boiling when you add the cream. Lower the heat and stir gently for a smooth finish.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tomato Pasta is one of those comforting, dependable dishes that always delivers. It’s rich without being heavy, fast without being boring, and endlessly versatile. If you’re looking for a simple yet seriously satisfying dinner, this is the recipe to keep in your back pocket. Try it tonight—you won’t regret it.

Print