Every now and then, a dish comes along that perfectly balances comfort and elegance—enter Creamy Tomato Pasta. With its velvety sauce clinging to every twirl of pasta, this recipe delivers luscious flavor and a gorgeous pop of color with every bite. It’s one of those meals I crave on both harried weeknights and slow Sunday evenings, thanks to its easy prep and the sheer joy of creamy, tomato-rich heaven finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil. Let’s dive in and make this irresistible favorite together!

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Creamy Tomato Pasta is how every ingredient, no matter how simple, brings something vital to the table—creamy richness, savory depth, or a hit of vibrant freshness. It’s a short list, but each detail makes the final dish sing.

12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): The base of the dish—choose a shape that will cradle the sauce!
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds subtle flavor and helps the garlic gently sizzle.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Contributes that irreplaceable, aromatic punch.
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, delivering bright, tangy flavor and bold color.
½ cup heavy cream: This is what transforms the sauce from good to dreamy and luscious.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and a silky finish.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Offers those familiar herbal notes that just say “classic pasta”.
½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing the flavors into perfect balance.
¼ tsp black pepper: Gives just the right hint of warmth.
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Use for a little zing if you like a gentle heat.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A handful of torn basil brings glorious color and a hint of sweet pepperiness.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta of choice until it’s just al dente—this way, it will keep a lovely bite once tossed in the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta cooking water right before draining; you’ll use this secret ingredient to make the sauce extra glossy and luscious later.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, set a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly and let it sizzle just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. That subtle savory base is pure magic for your Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Step 3: Create the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and that optional pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. As it bubbles gently, the tomato flavor deepens and all the herbs and spices blend harmoniously.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Now comes the transformative moment: turn the heat to low, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Watch as the sauce softens in color and takes on a beautiful, satiny texture. The cheese melts right in, giving it extra velvety body and irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet, and toss until every piece is bathed in the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired silkiness. Let it all simmer together for another minute or two so the pasta absorbs all those incredible flavors. Serve immediately—for best results, enjoy piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

This is where you can turn Creamy Tomato Pasta into pure Italian bistro magic. I love scattering chopped fresh basil over the top—its aroma is utterly irresistible. A finishing shower of extra grated Parmesan creates a beautiful snowy effect and deepens the dish’s umami. If you’re serving guests, a few twists of black pepper right before serving will impress every time.

Side Dishes

This pasta doesn’t need much to feel complete, but a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli plays beautifully alongside its creamy richness. If you want the full “treat-yourself” experience, serve warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce—trust me, you’ll want every drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For an easy but striking dinner party, nestle the noodles into shallow bowls, top with a basil sprig, and a swirl of olive oil for shine. You could also pile it onto a serving platter and let guests help themselves “family style”. Mini portions in ramekins work perfectly for buffets or potlucks—super charming and elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’re in luck—it keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors become even more intertwined, making leftovers especially delicious for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta cool fully, then portion into zip-top freezer bags or sealed containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results—this helps preserve the sauce’s creamy, dreamy texture.

Reheating

When reheating Creamy Tomato Pasta, a gentle touch is best! Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and restore that creamy consistency. For single portions, a microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Creamy Tomato Pasta works wonderfully with penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or whatever you have on hand. Short shapes hold onto the sauce nicely, while long noodles add an elegant touch.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, half-and-half is a great swap. You can also use a full-fat coconut milk or a favorite plant-based cream for a dairy-free alternative. The sauce will still be lovely and luscious.

Is there a way to add protein?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed spinach or toss with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Chickpeas or white beans are a wonderful vegetarian boost as well, adding hearty texture and extra nutrition.

Can Creamy Tomato Pasta be made ahead?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just cook the pasta, warm the sauce, and combine them for a quick and delicious meal.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Always lower the heat before adding the cream and cheese, and stir gently. Adding the cream slowly and stirring frequently helps the sauce emulsify into that signature creamy finish without breaking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a meal that delivers pure comfort and astonishingly rich flavor with hardly any fuss, give this Creamy Tomato Pasta a try! Every forkful is pure joy, and I hope it brings just as much delight to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Tomato Pasta, a delicious vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. This pasta is cooked al dente and coated in a luscious tomato cream sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)

Sauce:

1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan until creamy.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved water if needed. Cook briefly to combine flavors.
Serve: Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan before serving hot.