Irresistible Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Ready in Minutes

Vibrant red tomatoes dance with silky cream in this irresistible creamy tomato pasta recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Every twirl of pasta captures the essence of home-cooked satisfaction.

Rich, velvety sauce clings perfectly to each noodle, creating a symphony of flavors that sing with Italian-inspired elegance.

Fresh basil and a hint of garlic elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The sauce blends robust tomato depth with smooth, luxurious cream for a meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable pasta and let your taste buds celebrate.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Essentials

• Pasta: Sturdy pasta that catches the creamy sauce perfectly, choose short shapes like penne or rotini for best texture.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich foundation that creates deep flavor layers and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato essence that intensifies the sauce's depth and provides robust color.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth liquid component that creates the primary sauce structure and tangy backbone.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that transforms the sauce into silky, velvety perfection.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds Mediterranean warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a delightful umami finish and creamy texture when sprinkled on top.

Tools to Prep Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Skillet: Essential for creating the creamy tomato sauce over medium-high heat.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring cream and sauces.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing and chopping garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic precisely.

Creamy Tomato Pasta: How to Make It

• Water Preparation Boil a large pot of salted water to create the perfect foundation for pasta cooking.
• Garlic Infusion Melt butter in a skillet and gently warm garlic, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a flavor base.
• Sauce Creation Blend tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning into a rich, velvety mixture that simmers and thickens.
• Flavor Balancing Adjust the sauce with salt, pepper, and a touch of sweetness to harmonize the tangy and creamy elements.
• Pasta Finale Combine cooked pasta with the luscious sauce, ensuring each strand is beautifully coated, then garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Ideas to Enhance Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Pasta Perfection Hacks: Creamy Tomato Pasta Edition
• Garlic Intensity Trick: Roast whole garlic cloves before mincing for deeper, mellower flavor that transforms the sauce's complexity.
• Cream Consistency Magic: Use room temperature cream to prevent sauce from separating and ensure silky smooth texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Upgrade Strategy: Experiment with aged parmesan, pecorino romano, or asiago for bolder cheese notes that elevate the pasta's richness.
• Veggie Boost Option: Fold in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms during the final sauce cooking stage for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice Adventure Twist: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat that complements the creamy tomato base.

Ways to Plate Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the pasta to add a vibrant, fresh flavor and beautiful green color that brightens the creamy red sauce.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, crispy shrimp, or sautéed Italian sausage to transform this pasta into a more substantial and filling meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Cheesy Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crispy panko over the dish for an unexpected textural contrast that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that complements the rich, tomato-based cream sauce and enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Keep Creamy Tomato Pasta Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creamy consistency.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. For best texture, avoid overheating which can separate the cream sauce.
• Freezing Wisdom: While possible, cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing. If freezing, store pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for maximum quality. Consume within 1-2 months for optimal taste.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sauce and pasta components separately during weekly cooking. Keep sauce and cooked pasta in different containers, combining just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent soggy noodles. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or lunch preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Velvety Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy tomato pasta delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with minimal ingredients. Pasta lovers will savor each silky bite of this simple, comforting classic that makes dinners quick and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) pasta, uncooked
• 1 (14 oz/397 g) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup (177 mL) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) tomato paste
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (28 g) butter
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Salt water generously in a large pot and bring to a vigorous boil, ready to cook pasta until achieving an ideal al dente consistency.
2. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing minced garlic to create an aromatic flavor base, allowing it to become golden and fragrant.
3. Sauce Development: Incorporate tomato paste and tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to blend with the garlic-butter mixture, creating a robust and rich sauce foundation.
4. Cream Integration: Pour heavy cream and sprinkle Italian seasoning, allowing ingredients to harmonize while gently simmering for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thickened texture.
5. Flavor Refinement: Carefully taste the sauce, fine-tuning seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Balance any sharp notes by adding a subtle pinch of sugar to moderate acidity.
6. Pasta Combination: Drain perfectly cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce consistency adjustment. Fold pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated with the velvety mixture.
7. Presentation Finale: Transfer to serving plates and generously garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, adding a final layer of indulgent flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pasta Water Rescue: Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create silky, clingy sauce if needed.
• Garlic Caution: Watch butter carefully to prevent burning; golden color indicates perfect sautéing moment.
• Seasoning Strategy: Taste sauce progressively and adjust flavors gradually with small increments of salt, pepper, or sugar.
• Cheese Finale: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and delivers more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg