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Creamy Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a rich, silky, and comforting pasta dish made with a smooth tomato sauce, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s one of the easiest creamy pasta recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Creamy Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp
  • Spinach or mushrooms
  • Sun-dried tomatoes for creamy sundried tomato pasta variation
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
  6. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
  7. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
  8. Toss in cooked pasta and mix well.
  9. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  10. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil.

Notes

  • Use pasta water for a silkier sauce texture.
  • Add grilled chicken for extra protein or healthy chicken tenderloin recipes pairing.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy twist.
  • Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.