Creamy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta is my go-to dinner when I want something fuss-free fast and full of rich flavor It comes together with pantry ingredients and feels restaurant worthy thanks to that lush tomato sauce

I made this for my sister's birthday last spring and now my whole family expects it whenever they visit It has quickly become one of my most shared recipes with friends in need of a hassle free meal

Gather Your Ingredients

• Uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape look for bronze cut pasta if possible for better sauce cling
• Butter: Adds a rich base Use real butter for best flavor
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers bold aromatic depth opt for firm plump cloves
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor Use double concentrated for extra intensity
• Tomato sauce: Smooth base for the creamy sauce Choose a brand with minimal added sugar and salt
• Heavy or whipping cream: Provides that signature silkiness Use full fat to prevent curdling
• Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth Check freshness for max flavor
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Taste and adjust, use kosher or flaky salt if you can
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds nutty salty finish Buy a wedge and grate just before serving for best texture

How to Make It

Boil and Cook Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions Stir a few times as it cooks to prevent sticking Once done reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest

Build the Sauce Base:

While the pasta cooks melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat Add the minced garlic Cook gently for about a minute stirring constantly to avoid burning Let it sizzle until just fragrant This tiny step is what sets the flavor foundation

Simmer Tomato and Cream:

Add the tomato paste to the skillet Stir well to coat in the butter Pour in the canned tomato sauce Add the cream and Italian seasoning Stir until everything is completely blended Let the sauce cook for around five minutes Keep the heat gentle so the cream stays smooth The sauce will thicken and become silky You may need to lower the heat to maintain a tiny simmer

Season and Adjust:

Taste the sauce Add a pinch or two of salt and pepper Stir If the sauce tastes a bit sharp add a small pinch of sugar to round out the acidity Taste again and adjust until it's balanced to your liking

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce Toss to coat every piece Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce to a creamy consistency Stir until the pasta is completely covered

Serve and Finish:

Divide the creamy pasta among plates Finish generously with grated parmesan over each serving Serve right away for the best texture

The heady hit of garlic in this recipe always reminds me of cozy Friday nights when my kids crowd around the kitchen the smell alone brings everyone to the table I always reach for a block of good parmesan because grating it fresh is part of the little ritual of serving this

Flavor Boosters

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce Try to avoid microwaving as it may split the cream

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal Add roasted vegetables to the pasta for extra color and nutrition or finish with torn fresh basil for a burst of freshness If you are hosting add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side for a heartier dinner

Creative Twists

Creamy tomato sauces are an Italian American favorite stemming from the classic vodka sauce but skipping the vodka This recipe is a modern shortcut perfect for time pressed cooks Its roots are humble but the flavor payoff is big In summer swap canned tomato sauce for homemade sauce from ripe tomatoes In late winter stir in wilted baby spinach or kale before serving to add some green goodness You can even toss in roasted butternut squash or oven dried cherry tomatoes for seasonal flair

Enjoy the rich comfort of this pasta with your favorite people It is a sure way to bring everyone to the table

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use heavy or whipping cream with higher fat content, as lower-fat alternatives can curdle when combined with acidic tomato sauce.

→ Can I substitute the pasta shape?

Yes, any short or long pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti works well with the creamy tomato sauce.

→ Is the sauce too tangy?

If the sauce tastes too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce gently for an extra few minutes to allow it to thicken, or add a splash of pasta water as needed when tossing with pasta.

→ What toppings work best?

Freshly grated parmesan or a handful of chopped basil makes a delicious finishing touch for extra flavor.