Creamy Tomato Pasta – A Quick & Cozy Dinner You’ll Crave!
This Creamy Tomato Pasta is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—fast, easy, and ridiculously delicious!
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a silky, rich tomato sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients—just pure comfort in 25 minutes.
Whether you need a quick meal after a long day or something special with minimal effort, this pasta delivers big flavor with zero stress.
Let’s get cooking!
For Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Pasta – Use your favorite type, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce with a deep, savory aroma.
- Tomato Paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that brings depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Tomato Sauce – The base of the sauce, giving it a smooth, classic tomato taste.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a creamy, luxurious texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to add depth and warmth.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can 14-ounce) tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
Simmer:
- Let the sauce gently bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your preference. Adjust the heat if needed to prevent rapid boiling.
Season & Adjust:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Combine & Serve:
- Drain the pasta and toss it in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat heavy cream to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference.
- Serve with fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for whole milk. Just be sure to heat it gently and avoid boiling to prevent curdling. A little extra butter can help add richness.
2. How do I make the sauce more flavorful?
The key to a next-level sauce? Sauté some onions before adding the garlic, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the tomato flavor.
3. What if my sauce is too thick?
Easy fix! Add a splash of reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps thin out the sauce while keeping it silky and smooth.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop and add a bit of cream or milk if it thickens too much.
5. What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. But if you’re all about the twirls, spaghetti or fettuccine work like a charm!
Now you’re set to make the best creamy tomato pasta ever!
