Dinner

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 pound); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Bylina Carter July 14, 2025July 14, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If there’s a weeknight dinner that truly delivers comfort in a bowl, it has to be Creamy Tomato Pasta. With perfectly al dente penne, a luxuriously velvety tomato sauce kissed with garlic and Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish brings together the magic of simple ingredients for maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or planning a cozy dinner for one, Creamy Tomato Pasta always promises a satisfying, restaurant-worthy experience with minimal fuss.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish shine is just how straightforward the ingredients are, yet every single one plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible taste, color, and creamy texture. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh touches to create Creamy Tomato Pasta that tastes like pure comfort.

Penne Pasta: The ridges in penne are perfect for capturing every drop of the luscious creamy tomato sauce.
Butter: Adds a rich base and brings lovely silkiness to the sauce.
Garlic: Just a few cloves add aromatic, savory depth to the entire dish.
Tomato Sauce: The 15-ounce can gives your sauce that classic, tangy tomato backbone.
Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to dreamy richness, it turns ordinary tomato sauce into something special.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings nutty, salty umami and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; adjust to taste for perfect balance.
Ground Black Pepper: Just a little for subtle heat and depth.
Fresh Parsley: A finishing sprinkle of bright green for freshness and color.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 10 minutes). Drain it thoroughly and set aside. A quick tip: salting the water is key, as it flavors the pasta from the inside out!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant but not browned. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute—watch it closely, as garlic burns fast but you want all that aroma to infuse the butter.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Stir in the canned tomato sauce and tomato paste, blending well to create a smooth, bold base. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes; this step cooks off any raw tomato flavor and allows the sauce to reduce slightly for extra richness.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and add in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything melds together into a thick and luxurious sauce. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. After a few minutes, you’ll notice the sauce clinging to your spoon—now it’s ready for the pasta.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing well until every penne is coated in that glossy, creamy tomato sauce. No one wants dry pasta, so take a moment to stir thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, you can splash in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Creamy Tomato Pasta into warm bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The touch of green makes this classic dish pop, and it adds just the right fresh finish.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

A simple finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens each bowl of Creamy Tomato Pasta, but you can also get creative. Try extra shavings of Parmesan, a crack of fresh black pepper, or even a swirl of good olive oil just before serving for a restaurant-quality touch.

Side Dishes

This comforting pasta shines when paired with crusty garlic bread, a light Caesar salad, or simple steamed green beans. These sides balance the richness of the Creamy Tomato Pasta and round out your meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, you can serve the Creamy Tomato Pasta family-style in a large, warmed dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and finish with whole parsley leaves. Or switch things up by filling roasted bell peppers with the finished pasta for an impressive, colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover Creamy Tomato Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Creamy Tomato Pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing, but a thorough reheat and a little extra cream can fix it right up. Enjoy within two months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems dry. Stir well to bring everything back together; you’ll be amazed at how delicious it still tastes!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Tomato Pasta, feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni—just aim for a shape that holds onto sauce well for that hearty bite.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

The basic Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is already vegetarian! Just double-check your Parmesan (as some contain animal rennet) or opt for a vegetarian-friendly cheese.

Can I make it lighter?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the cream, knowing the sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still have great flavor and silkiness.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try stirring in red pepper flakes for gentle heat, sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth. Grilled chicken or shrimp are popular add-ins, too!

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Creamy Tomato Pasta scales up beautifully, so go ahead and double the ingredients for a bigger batch—just use a larger pan for the sauce to make mixing easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like gathering around a bowl of Creamy Tomato Pasta to bring a little joy into your day. With its comforting textures and rich, tangy flavor, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for effortless, satisfying dinners. Give it a try and savor just how good simple ingredients can taste together!