Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe because it hits all the right comfort food notes without being complicated. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, you’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and smells incredible while cooking.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients could create something so rich, velvety, and satisfying. The balance between tangy tomato sauce and luscious creaminess makes it perfect anytime you want a bowl of pasta that feels special but is totally fuss-free.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a luscious sauce that coats each pasta piece just right. Picking fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan can really make a difference.

• Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well with its tubes, but any pasta type you love works great.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver depth and a mild pungency; I usually mince mine finely.
• Tomato Sauce: Be sure to choose one you like since it’s the base flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that silky, creamy texture everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds savory umami.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth; freshly ground is best.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.

Variations

I like to switch things up based on what’s in my fridge or how indulgent I feel. This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is such a great starting point that you can easily tailor it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Protein: Sometimes I toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make it a fuller meal.
• Use Plant-Based Cream: For a dairy-free version, coconut milk or cashew cream works beautifully as a substitute.
• Spice It Up: Adding red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick that my family loves.
• Swap Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used without losing the creamy tomato charm.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water — this seasons the pasta from the inside. Add your penne and cook until al dente, meaning just tender but still a bit firm when you bite into it. Drain well but don’t rinse, so the sauce clings to the pasta better later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter Until Fragrant

While the pasta cooks, melt butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When it’s hot and bubbling, toss in the garlic and sauté for about a minute until you smell that gorgeous aroma. Be careful not to brown it — burnt garlic can introduce bitterness, which we want to avoid.

Step 3: Simmer Tomato Sauce and Paste Together

Pour in your tomato sauce and spoon in the tomato paste. Stir it up and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step helps deepen the tomato flavor and unlocks that rich, authentic taste. Let it simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan Until Cozy and Thick

Turn the heat down to low and carefully fold in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. This is the magic moment when the sauce transforms to silky perfection. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens just enough to coat your spoon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta and Garnish

Add your cooked pasta straight into the sauce and give everything a good toss to make sure every piece is luxuriously coated. Then sprinkle on that fresh parsley—it gives the dish a pop of color and a bright herbal note that balances the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley or basil. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds an unexpected but welcome flair.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love pairing this creamy tomato pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. It also looks lovely garnished with edible flowers or a colorful herb mix when you want to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps great for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the sauce can thicken, so I add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy tomato pasta a couple of times with good results. I recommend freezing just the sauce separately if you want the best texture, then cooking fresh pasta to toss together when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and adding a little milk or cream to keep it smooth. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps avoid hot spots and drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe has become a staple for me because it’s fast, forgiving, and always delivers that comforting hug of a meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to come back to again and again, especially when your schedule’s tight but your cravings are big. Trust me, once you try it, your pasta nights just might never be the same.

Print