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Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 22 reviews

This Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that combines tender pasta with a smooth, rich tomato cream sauce. Made with simple pantry staples like tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, and cream, it delivers a comforting dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main 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
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the pasta and cook it al dente according to package instructions. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain once done.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste followed by the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce is well combined and smooth. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, reducing the heat if needed to maintain a gentle bubbling, until it thickens to your liking.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce tastes too acidic or tangy, balance it by stirring in a pinch of sugar.
  5. Toss with Pasta and Serve: Drain the pasta carefully and toss it immediately with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot pasta water to loosen it. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
  • If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian