15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy dinner but have absolutely zero time (or energy!) to spare, this 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta is your new life-saver. Imagine a luscious sauce that hugs every bite of pasta, created from pantry staples and a splash of cream—it’s comfort food at its quickest, most irresistible form. Whether you whip it up on a busy weeknight or want to impress with little effort, every forkful is a testament to how big flavors can come from the simplest, speediest recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish shine is its simplicity—each ingredient pulls its weight in flavor, color, or texture, coming together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll gather for the perfect pot of 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta:
- Pasta (Rigatoni or Penne): Sturdy shapes like these hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, giving you rich flavor in every bite.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce, perfectly complementing the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Minced fresh, garlic gives the sauce its aromatic backbone.
- Canned Tomato Paste: This intense tomato concentrate forms the silky, vibrant heart of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious body and richness, transforming the sauce into pure velvety goodness.
- Reserved Pasta Water: The secret to a silky, clingy sauce—it helps everything come together perfectly.
- Dehydrated or Fresh Basil: Basil weaves in that signature Italian flavor, adding bright, herby notes.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté your aromatics and adds a lovely, subtle fruitiness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out every bit of flavor in your ingredients.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): For the final touch of salty, savory magic right before serving.
How to Make 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your rigatoni or penne and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—the key to a perfect sauce!
Step 2: Prep Your Sauce Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, dice up the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready at arm’s reach is vital because this sauce whips up in a flash.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Set a large skillet over medium heat and swirl in the olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and let them sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic and let it become fragrant without letting it burn, about 30 seconds more.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste, coating the onions and garlic in its rich crimson color. The paste should darken just slightly, deepening its flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Loosen the Sauce
Pour in your reserved pasta water a splash at a time, stirring until the paste transforms into a smooth, silky sauce. You’re looking for a slightly loose, pourable consistency here—it’ll thicken up again when you add the cream and pasta.
Step 6: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat a tad and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. The sauce will turn a beautiful, blushing pink. Sprinkle in the basil, along with a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Add your warm, drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in the creamy tomato sauce. Heat gently just until everything is piping hot and well combined.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta into bowls and shower with grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, creamy finish. Serve right away and savor every delicious bite!
How to Serve 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
For that finishing flourish, scatter extra basil leaves over the top, add a drizzle of good olive oil, or throw on more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes will wake everything up with a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This pasta is fantastic alongside a crisp green salad—think arugula, lemon, and parmesan—or nestle it next to garlicky sautéed greens. Some warm, crusty bread is always a hit, perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta in small bowls for a cozy dinner party starter, or pile it high on a large platter and let people help themselves, family-style. For a twist, tuck in a few roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it happens!), let your pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors deepen and meld, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
While fresh cream sauces aren’t always freezer-friendly, you can freeze 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta if you must. Just pack portions in airtight containers, pressing plastic wrap snugly against the surface. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to eat, gently reheat leftover pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stove-top is best for keeping things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are perfect for catching the creamy tomato sauce, any short pasta shape—like fusilli or farfalle—will work beautifully. You can even use spaghetti if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, unsweetened cashew cream, or a thick oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just make sure to choose something unsweetened and unflavored.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra protein boost. You could even crumble in some cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
What if I don’t have basil?
If basil is missing from your kitchen, swap in Italian seasoning or a pinch of dried oregano. Fresh parsley also adds a nice herbal note, so don’t hesitate to get creative.
Why reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is liquid gold for pasta sauces—it’s starchy and salted, helping your 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta sauce cling to every piece for that professional, glossy finish you love in restaurant pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bowl of 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta—it’s quick, comforting, and delightfully full of bold flavor. Next time you need a dinner that delivers on taste (and speed), try this recipe and prepare to fall in love with every rich, saucy twirl.
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15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for creamy tomato pasta that comes together in just 15 minutes. This dish features a luscious tomato cream sauce tossed with rigatoni or penne pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta (Rigatoni or Penne)
- ½ Yellow Onion
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 6 oz Canned Tomato Paste
- ½ Cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1 Tbsp Dehydrated Basil (or 3 Tbsp Fresh)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan
Pasta:
Sauce:
Optional Topping:
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Boil rigatoni or penne according to package instructions in salted water.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare Sauce: Dice onions, mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions, add garlic, then tomato paste.
- Add Cream: Pour in reserved pasta water, add cream, season with salt, pepper, and basil.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe works well with both dried and fresh basil.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more pasta water if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Tomato Cream Sauce
