Name: CREAMY TOMATO PASTA Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 pound); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

This CREAMY TOMATO PASTA is truly comfort food at its best—silky, luxe, and bursting with the brightness of tomatoes, it’s a recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Combining a handful of pantry staples with a splash of luscious cream, this dish magically comes together in under 30 minutes. Each twirl of pasta is coated in a velvety sauce that blends sharp Parmesan with the sweet tang of tomatoes, making it a staple you’ll come back to anytime you crave something both easy and utterly satisfying.

CREAMY TOMATO PASTA Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so wonderful about this recipe is the way each ingredient works its magic in the overall dish. These simple building blocks are absolutely essential—each one lending its unique touch to the flavor, texture, or look of your CREAMY TOMATO PASTA.

Penne Pasta: Perfect for catching every drop of that creamy, dreamy sauce—use any shape you love, but penne really shines here.
Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing the garlic and gives the sauce extra silkiness.
Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, it provides an aromatic backbone that’s irresistible in this dish.
Tomato Sauce: Brings a tangy, robust tomato flavor that’s both bold and comforting.
Tomato Paste: Amp up the tomato intensity and enrich the sauce’s deep red color.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that lush, velvety texture that defines CREAMY TOMATO PASTA.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds wonderful umami and melt-in-your-mouth saltiness.
Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
Ground Black Pepper: A little kick of pepper brings warmth and subtle spice to every bite.
Fresh Parsley: Top things off with a hit of color and freshness—parsley brightens the dish beautifully.

How to Make CREAMY TOMATO PASTA

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a lively boil—the salt is your friend here, giving the pasta flavor from the inside out. Toss in the penne and cook until it’s perfectly al dente (usually about 10 minutes, but check your package). Drain the pasta well and set it aside; you’ll want it ready to toss right into that glorious tomato sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Let it melt and get a bit bubbly—about one minute is all it takes. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it just starts to smell amazing, for about a minute. You don’t want it to brown, just fragrant and mellow.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the tomato sauce along with the tomato paste, stirring everything together until it’s totally combined. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. This is when the sauce thickens a bit, the flavors deepen, and you catch the first mouthwatering whiff of what’s to come.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

Turn the heat down to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. As it all melds together, you’ll see the sauce transform before your eyes—it gets thicker and silkier within just a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and take a moment to marvel at that irresistible orange hue.

Step 5: Toss & Finish

Add the cooked pasta into your pan and stir gently to coat each piece with the creamy, tomato-kissed sauce. Let everything mingle for a minute or two so the flavors really hug the noodles. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and your CREAMY TOMATO PASTA is ready to be served piping hot!

How to Serve CREAMY TOMATO PASTA

Garnishes

A final flourish of bright green parsley or extra shavings of Parmesan cheese makes each plate of CREAMY TOMATO PASTA look as divine as it tastes. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes offers even more flavor and pizzazz.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a superstar on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a plate of warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside garlicky roasted vegetables or a platter of marinated olives.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, mound the CREAMY TOMATO PASTA in shallow bowls and sprinkle with colorful microgreens. Or, serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe that invites everyone to dig in together. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto for something extra-special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover pasta can be placed in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but the flavors become even more luscious over time.

Freezing

To freeze CREAMY TOMATO PASTA, let it cool to room temperature first. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and stash in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results; just know that the texture might be a bit softer after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in-between, until warmed through. Or, gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce needs loosening. Stir well to bring back the creamy consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for catching the rich sauce, you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even farfalle—just pick your favorite and cook it to al dente perfection.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan for a creamy tomato pasta that’s dairy-free and still delicious.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu can be tossed in at the end for extra protein. Chickpeas also make a hearty, vegetarian-friendly addition.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or swirl in a bit of your favorite hot sauce before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy?

For the silkiest CREAMY TOMATO PASTA, avoid overheating the cream—add it on low and stir just until everything comes together. If reheating, do so gently and add a touch more cream or water if needed.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste how easy and delicious this CREAMY TOMATO PASTA is, there’s a good chance it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. Treat yourself and the people you love to this warm, creamy, tomato-laced classic—you absolutely won’t regret it!

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CREAMY TOMATO PASTA Recipe