Sensational Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delectable creamy tomato pasta always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of simple, comforting dishes that come together quickly.

Creamy sauces transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Rich, velvety textures blend seamlessly with tangy tomato notes for a satisfying meal.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of smooth and vibrant flavors.

Home cooks can master this recipe in under 20 minutes.

Prepare to impress your taste buds with this irresistible culinary creation that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why Super Tomato Pasta Saves the Day

• This creamy tomato pasta recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• With just a few pantry staples, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
• From start to finish, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings when time is tight.
• Easy to customize with added protein like chicken or shrimp, this recipe works for picky eaters, date nights, and family dinners alike.

What You Need for Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: Backbone of the dish, choose a shape that catches sauce well like penne or rigatoni.

Pasta Types Notes: Whole wheat or regular pasta work great, fresh or dried options available.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provides rich, tangy base for the creamy sauce, San Marzano tomatoes recommended for best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, smooth texture in the sauce, full-fat version preferred for richness.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic base flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended over pre-chopped.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Creates foundation for sauce, helps develop flavor, extra virgin olive oil ideal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity, blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat component, adjust to personal spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds fresh, aromatic finish, bright green color contrast.

How to Make Pasta in Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Toss pasta into boiling water and cook until tender. Scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining completely.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Warm a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and dance it around until fragrant and golden.

Step 3: Build Flavorful Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce gently, allowing flavors to mingle and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Transform Sauce to Creamy Goodness

Lower heat and swirl in heavy cream until sauce looks silky and smooth. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted completely. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide cooked pasta into skillet and toss lovingly until every strand is coated. If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to create perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Transfer pasta to plates. Shower with extra Parmesan and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy immediately while hot and steamy.

Tips for Rich Sauce and Perfect Pasta Texture

• Customize Pasta Perfection: Choose your favorite pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or linguine for different textures and sauce-holding abilities.
• Cream Control: Reduce heavy cream calories by substituting half-and-half or using Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the sauce.
• Spice It Up: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level- start with a pinch for mild warmth or add more for a spicier kick.
• Quick Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms during the sauce-making process.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

Store and Heat Tomato Pasta Without Overcooking

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm pasta in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of pasta water or cream while gently reheating in a skillet, which helps restore moisture and creamy texture.
• This cream-based sauce doesn't freeze well and might separate or become grainy when thawed, so best to enjoy within a few days of preparation.

Best Sides to Serve with This Dish

• Uncork a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy tomato sauce, balancing its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy counterpoint to the rich, smooth tomato pasta.
• Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil infused with fresh basil or oregano over the pasta to elevate the dish's aromatic profile.

Tomato Pasta Upgrades to Keep It Fresh

• Vegan Creamy Tomato Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein like white beans or tofu to make the dish more substantial and nutritionally balanced.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate roasted red peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Increase red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and Mediterranean flair.

All About This Pasta Dish

• Is this pasta recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. If you prefer a mild version, simply skip the red pepper flakes or add just a tiny pinch.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This creamy tomato sauce works well with various pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite pasta type.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt as alternatives. Each will slightly change the sauce’s thickness and richness, but they’ll still create a delicious creamy result.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian Parmesan cheese, as traditional Parmesan contains animal rennet. Some specialty stores offer vegetarian Parmesan options.

Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato pasta brings Italian comfort right to kitchen counters with minimal effort. Smooth sauce and tender noodles combine in a quick meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Seasoning:

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fill a generous pot with water, incorporate a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until reaching the perfect tender-yet-firm texture, typically following package guidelines.
2. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles completely.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil or butter over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately two minutes.
4. Gently pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, complementing with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, gradually thickening over 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, smooth consistency. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely.
6. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too dense, strategically introduce reserved pasta water, gradually achieving the ideal silky texture.
8. Plate the pasta, generously sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese and adorning with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Soften garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste that overpowers the delicate sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum melting and flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually for controlled spiciness.
• Swap heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk for lighter versions while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg