Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 or whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 29 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the rich flavors of tomato, garlic, and Italian herbs with the luxurious texture of cream, it’s that perfect midweek dinner that comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours. Silky sauce lovingly coating every strand of al dente pasta makes it irresistible every single time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience that feels both indulgent and homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a grey pan on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is melted butter bubbling with small bits of light-colored garlic spread across the surface. In the second image, the same grey pan contains a mixture of bright red tomato sauce covering most of the surface. In the middle of the sauce, a large swirl of creamy white sauce and a dollop of thick red paste sit side by side. A sprinkle of black pepper and herbs rests on top, contrasting with the smooth sauces beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the pasta providing a hearty base to the creamy, tangy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable.

8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type; penne or fettuccine work wonderfully to hold onto the sauce.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
2-3 cloves garlic (minced): For an aromatic depth that wakes up the whole dish.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce its vibrant color and intensity.
1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce: The saucy heart of the recipe, creating that signature tomato base.
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: The secret to creamy silkiness that elevates the sauce’s texture.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that brings in herbaceous notes like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds a nutty, salty finish that makes this dish sing.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente according to package instructions is key because it will finish softening slightly when tossed in the sauce. The salted water season the pasta inside and out, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This brief step releases the garlic’s fragrant oils, which form a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until completely smooth. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just right. Keeping the heat moderate ensures the cream doesn’t curdle and the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Now comes the fun part: tasting! Add salt and pepper generously to your liking. If the sauce tastes a little too tangy for your comfort, a pinch of sugar will brighten and balance those tomato acids beautifully. This step lets you customize the sauce to your preferred flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and toss it immediately with the sauce in the skillet, adding a splash of the reserved hot pasta water if the mixture feels too thick. This trick loosens the sauce and helps it cling perfectly to each piece of pasta. Serve it piping hot with plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for that dreamy finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

A black skillet filled with a creamy, orange-colored sauce mixed with cooked penne pasta scattered throughout, some penne partially covered while others sit on top, the sauce looks smooth and thick with a few specks of black pepper, topped lightly with grated cheese. The skillet has a grey handle and sits on a white marbled surface. Next to the skillet, there’s a block of pale yellow cheese and a metal grater partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make this dish really pop, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving. The fresh herbs add a lovely contrast of color and a fresh, aromatic note that brightens up the creaminess wonderfully. Don’t forget extra parmesan and maybe a crack of black pepper for a bit of bite right at the table.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side is also a match made in heaven, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or when entertaining friends, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a little heat. Pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine elevates the experience, making your meal feel restaurant-worthy right at your own dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, but be sure to keep the sauce covered well to prevent it from thickening too much.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal for creamy sauces, as they can sometimes separate after thawing. If you want to freeze, place the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently while stirring to bring back its silky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta slowly on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stirring frequently helps to restore that fresh, creamy consistency and prevents the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream for this recipe?

Absolutely! Heavy cream is preferred for its richness and stability, but half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted for a lighter version—just expect a less thick and creamy sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

While this recipe uses regular pasta, swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta is a simple way to make it gluten-free without altering the delicious sauce.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during the sautéing of garlic or stir in some harissa or chili paste along with the tomato sauce for a nice kick of heat that balances the creaminess.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed mushrooms make fantastic additions to boost the meal’s protein content without overwhelming the creamy tomato goodness.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can use more tomato sauce, but the flavor won’t be as concentrated. Adding a small spoonful of tomato paste substitute like pureed sun-dried tomatoes can help maintain that robust tomato depth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe has easily become one of my all-time favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and deeply satisfying flavors. It’s quick, comforting, and versatile enough to dress up or down. I truly can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—it might just become your weeknight superstar, too!