Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

This creamy tomato pasta recipe combines rich, velvety sauce with tender pasta for a quick and easy meal. Featuring simple ingredients like garlic, tomato paste, and heavy cream, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a last-minute meal. The smooth tomato sauce is seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with fresh parmesan cheese, creating a comforting dish the whole family will love. This recipe is flexible and can be adapted with your favorite pasta, extra vegetables, or proteins to suit your preferences. It’s a go-to comfort food that’s easy to prepare in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

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 cream
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. You may need to adjust the heat to keep it gently bubbling.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy tomato pasta is the perfect comfort food. It’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal in under 30 minutes.

Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a bit more heavy cream or even a splash of milk if you prefer a lighter version.
• Be sure to not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated parmesan can be used, but fresh is always better.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the butter and use olive oil instead to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables to the sauce.
• Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or turkey sausage for an added protein boost.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Serving

Serve this creamy tomato pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. It’s also great with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra parmesan on top.

Suggestions

For an elevated version, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top or mixing in some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. You can also pair this dish with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a complete meal.