Print

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 11 reviews

A rich and creamy tomato pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a luscious tomato and cream sauce, perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting dish is ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

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 and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For Serving

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the type of pasta.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta starts cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic’s aroma.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir the mixture until smooth and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Season the Sauce: Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste. If you find the sauce too acidic or tangy, stir in a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and immediately toss it with the tomato cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it up for better coating.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
  • Adjust the cream quantity to make the sauce lighter or richer.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or red pepper flakes.
  • Keep some pasta water reserved to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or garlic bread.