Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta; 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; Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you are craving a comforting yet elegant pasta dish, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the richness of creamy sauce with the bright, tangy flavor of tomatoes to create something irresistibly silky and satisfying. What’s wonderful is how quickly it comes together using simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners with friends. Each bite is a luscious dance of buttery garlic, smooth tomato paste, and a velvety cream texture that wraps around every strand of pasta beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various ingredients for a pasta dish arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a white bowl filled with uncooked yellow penne pasta. To its right, there is an open can filled with rich red tomato sauce. Below the pasta bowl, on the left side, is a small white bowl holding a square of pale yellow butter. In the center is a small white bowl with greenish-brown Italian seasoning. Next to it on the right, there is a small white bowl containing minced light yellow garlic. Below, in a clear measuring cup, is a creamy white heavy cream. At the bottom left, there is a small white bowl filled with thick, dark red tomato paste. The ingredients are spaced evenly and the whole arrangement is visually clean and bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your creamy tomato pasta. They’re pantry-friendly and easy to find, which means you can whip this dish up anytime without fuss.

8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape; penne or spaghetti work wonderfully to hold the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps gently soften the garlic, creating a fragrant base.
2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a punch of aromatic flavor that complements the tomato perfectly.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that deepens the sauce’s flavor and color.
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides the smooth, saucy body of the dish with a fresh tomato taste.
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that turns the sauce silky and indulgent.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A subtle herb blend that adds aromatic complexity without overpowering.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully over the pasta.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This ensures it won’t turn mushy when tossed with the creamy sauce later, giving you that perfect texture every time.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium-high heat in a skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté just about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step releases the enticing aroma and flavor that will be the heart of your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until the sauce looks smooth and unified. Let it gently simmer for around 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken just enough to cling beautifully to the pasta strands without losing its silkiness.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Now it’s time to balance the sauce with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here, as these seasonings bring out the natural nuances in the tomatoes and cream. If your sauce feels a little too acidic or tart, whisk in a pinch of sugar to mellow it out perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain your pasta and immediately toss it into the skillet with your creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen it up, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated and ready to serve.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

A round gray-handled pan filled with one layer of short, tube-shaped penne pasta in a creamy, smooth orange sauce shows some pasta slightly lifted with sauce clinging to them. The sauce texture is thick and shiny, with small specks of seasoning scattered throughout. A small amount of finely grated pale yellow cheese sprinkled on top adds light texture and color contrast. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a small block of pale yellow cheese and a metal grater partially visible near the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top is a classic way to finish this dish, adding that irresistible savory note. For a touch of brightness and color, scatter some chopped fresh basil or parsley—this elevates the presentation and adds a fresh herbal lift.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The light, crunchy salad contrasts nicely against the creamy pasta, while warm, toasty garlic bread helps soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive touch, serve this creamy tomato pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You could also try layering it in a glass casserole dish topped with extra parmesan and broiling for a bubbly golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir while reheating will bring back its creamy consistency.

Freezing

While freezing pasta dishes with cream can be tricky, if you want to freeze leftovers, do so without the freshly grated parmesan and bread accompaniments. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the cream from breaking or curdling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream?

Heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick or luxurious.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just cook to al dente for the best bite.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter and substitute the cream with coconut cream or a creamy cashew sauce, though expect a subtle flavor difference due to the dairy alternatives.

How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?

Keep the heat moderate while simmering the sauce and add the cream slowly. Stir continuously to blend everything smoothly, which helps avoid curdling or separation.

Can I add protein to this creamy tomato pasta?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make fantastic additions that complement the creamy tomato sauce and make it a heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is one of those easy dishes that feels like a warm hug in bowl form. The blend of silky cream, robust tomato flavor, and simple seasonings makes it perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this at home—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples can transform into something so dreamy and delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!