Dreamy Tomato Pasta Recipe: A Silky Comfort Classic

Creamy and luxurious, this silky tomato pasta promises a culinary journey that melts in your mouth with every delectable bite.

Ripe tomatoes blend seamlessly into a velvety sauce that coats each strand of pasta with rich, vibrant flavor.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic note that dances across the palate.

The recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

With minimal effort, you’ll craft a pasta that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Prepare to savor every single, sumptuous forkful.

How To Cook Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Boil the Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Save a splash of the starchy water before draining.

• Create the Sauce Base

Warm up a skillet with olive oil or butter. Toss in some minced garlic and let it dance around until it smells amazing. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in your favorite herbs. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes.

• Transform the Sauce

Turn down the heat and swirl in some heavy cream, creating a silky smooth texture. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into pure deliciousness. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper.

• Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss until every strand is coated with the luscious sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the pasta into warm bowls. Shower it with extra Parmesan and tear some fresh basil leaves on top. Dig in while it’s hot and savor every creamy, tangy bite!

Tips To Make Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Rich

• Creamy Texture Secret: Add pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without making it too runny or thick.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, smooth texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Easily transform this dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein like crispy tofu for extra nutrition.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from mild warmth to fiery excitement, personalize the flavor profile.

How To Serve Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy tomato pasta on a large shared platter, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, perfect for family-style dining.
• Garden Fresh Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add fresh vegetable crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Top each serving with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta to transform the dish into a more substantial meal with added protein.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this creamy tomato pasta with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to complement the sauce's richness.

Storage Advice For Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare sauce and pasta components in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerate sauce and pasta up to 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Cool the sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Pasta sauce remains delicious when frozen for 2-3 months, making meal planning super convenient.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide cooked pasta and sauce into individual serving containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick reheating. Separate cream-based sauce prevents soggy pasta texture during storage.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creamy consistency. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to maintain smooth sauce texture and prevent separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: Choose a shape that captures sauce well like penne or fusilli, ensuring even coating and maximum flavor absorption.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for developing deep flavor profile and preventing sticking.
• Garlic: Adds zesty, aromatic foundation that elevates entire sauce complexity.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers vibrant, tangy base with natural sweetness and hearty texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses traditional Mediterranean herbs that complement tomato's brightness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and exciting spicy undertone.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture and softens tomato's acidity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, sharp character and helps thicken sauce naturally.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: Offers fresh, herbal brightness as elegant garnish.

Tools For Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for creating and simmering the creamy tomato sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure pasta water and other ingredients accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Cheese grater: Use to freshly grate Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• Chef's knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping fresh basil.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Silky Tomato Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic creamy tomato pasta brings Italian comfort to your kitchen. Rich sauce, fresh basil, and al dente noodles combine for a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsps olive oil or unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: In a large pot, create a generously salted water bath and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving a portion of starchy liquid before draining completely.
2. Sauce Foundation: In a spacious skillet heated to medium, warm olive oil or butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to unfurl. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Simmer gently to concentrate flavors and develop depth.
3. Sauce Refinement: Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, transforming the sauce into a velvety emulsion. Fold in grated Parmesan until completely dissolved, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to harmonize the flavor profile.
4. Pasta Integration: Gently transfer cooked pasta into the skillet, delicately coating each strand with the creamy tomato sauce. If the consistency appears too thick, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, flowing texture.
5. Final Presentation: Plate the pasta, generously garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s optimal flavor and textural elegance.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Tomatoes: Select ripe, flavorful crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for a more vibrant sauce that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Master Pasta Water Technique: Reserve pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid acts as a magical sauce thickener and helps create a smoother, more cohesive coating for your pasta.
• Control Cream Consistency: Add cream gradually and on low heat to prevent curdling, ensuring a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt levels incrementally, remembering that Parmesan cheese brings natural saltiness to the sauce, preventing over-seasoning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 40mg