Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 6 reviews

This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, velvety tomato sauce made with tomato paste, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and freshly grated parmesan, it’s an easy weeknight meal that combines classic Italian flavors with a smooth, luscious texture.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

To Serve

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside once done.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Make Sauce: Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well until smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and bubbles gently. Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
  4. Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce feels too acidic or tangy, stir in a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of hot pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick to help loosen it.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and top generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic or Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
  • If you want a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • The pinch of sugar is optional but helps balance acidity from the tomato components.
  • Be sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal for the best mouthfeel.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe/