Go Back

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A rich and velvety creamy tomato pasta made with simple pantry ingredients. Comforting, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutesServings: 4Category: Main Dish / PastaCuisine: Italian-InspiredMethod: Stovetop

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti
  • Salt for pasta water
  • For the Creamy Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes or passata
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • ½ teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • For Serving Optional
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Sauté the Garlic
  4. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Simmer the Tomatoes
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and sugar if using. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  7. Add the Cream
  8. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the cream until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  9. Combine with Pasta
  10. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  11. Serve
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.