If you have a craving for something comforting yet elegant, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It combines a velvety rich sauce made from simple pantry staples like tomato paste, cream, and garlic, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. The result is a luscious dish bursting with warmth and just the right hint of Italian herbs that’ll have you feeling like you’re dining at a cozy trattoria. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this pasta never fails to impress with its vibrant flavors and silky texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and luscious texture that bring the dish to life.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type, but something like penne or fusilli works wonderfully to hold the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic depth and a touch of warmth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: The base that infuses the dish with tangy, sweet tomato goodness.
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates a dreamy, creamy texture that softens the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect balance of fragrant herbs to elevate the sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving, to taste): Adds a nutty, savory finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta al dente is key here—firm enough to provide a bite, but soft enough to absorb the luscious sauce. Follow the package instructions carefully so the noodles don’t overcook.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
While the pasta is bubbling away, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Keep stirring so it doesn’t brown too quickly and become bitter; you want to release its fragrant oils gently.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cream along with the Italian seasoning. The magic happens as these simple ingredients combine into a smooth, thick sauce. Let it cook at a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky, just the way we want it.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. If you find the sauce a bit too tangy, sprinkle in a pinch of sugar to mellow the acidity. This small step balances the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Drain your pasta and immediately toss it into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that hot pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling perfectly to each strand or shape. Once well combined, it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is a must—its nutty saltiness elevates the creaminess and brings a lovely texture contrast. If you want to add a pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luxurious finish.
Side Dishes
This creamy delight pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta, adding a refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh herb and a parmesan crisp. You can also layer the pasta in a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden crust finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the texture might change slightly due to the cream. If freezing, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It should last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This helps restore the luscious creaminess that makes this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works nicely, but shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce particularly well due to their curves and ridges.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. These options still lend richness, though the flavor will vary slightly.
How do I make the sauce less tangy?
If the tomato sauce feels too acidic, adding a pinch of sugar balances it right out. Also, the cream helps mellow acidity, so don’t skip it!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for a quick meal.
What cheese pairs best with this dish?
Freshly grated parmesan is the classic choice, but pecorino Romano or asiago also work beautifully for that extra sharp, savory note.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is an effortless showstopper that brings comfort and elegance to your table with minimal fuss. Its rich, velvety sauce and bright tomato flavor will quickly make it a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, it brings a deliciously satisfying meal to your table in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain but keep aside some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and bubbles lightly, about 5 minutes. Adjust heat to avoid boiling.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce tastes too tangy, balance it with a pinch of sugar to mellow the acidity.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved hot pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta and finish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with pasta.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor but adjust quantity if you prefer a milder taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk but the sauce will be less creamy.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
