This super easy creamy tomato pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish thatโs perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, itโs a creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying recipe that youโll want to add to your regular rotation.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, tangy flavor.
- Affordable Ingredients: Uses simple, budget-friendly pantry staples.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
- Comfort Food Classic: A warm, creamy pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta of your choice
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Canned tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Heavy cream or a plant-based cream alternative
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes or tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 generously.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or ground sausage for a heartier meal.
- Make it Vegan: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh parsley or oregano instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones. Blanch and peel them before cooking for a smoother texture.
2. Whatโs the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Any pasta works, but penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great options.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Cream-based sauces donโt freeze well as they may separate, but the dish can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
5. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano or mozzarella are delicious alternatives.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
7. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Mix milk with a bit of flour for a thicker consistency.
8. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the cream and ensure the tomatoes arenโt overly acidic.
9. Can I make this ahead of time?
Itโs best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and pasta separately, combining them just before serving.
10. What can I serve alongside this pasta?
A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
This super easy creamy tomato pasta is a versatile and comforting dish thatโs sure to become a household favorite. With its rich, creamy sauce and endless customization options, itโs perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to cozy weekend dinners. Give it a tryโyouโll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
PrintSuper Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and delicious recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes! Itโs perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy tomato sauce, combined with tender pasta, creates a restaurant-quality dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5โ7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and more Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the Parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it a heartier meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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