Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy tomato pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Combining a rich tomato sauce with smooth cream and Parmesan cheese, it’s simple to make yet satisfying to eat.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté it in the melted butter until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Step 4: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese melts and combines into the sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added protein, toss in cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp before serving.
• Use fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright, herbal touch.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish slightly.

Storage

Store any leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will work well with this creamy tomato sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender penne pasta with a rich and flavorful tomato cream sauce. The sauce is made from tomato sauce, tomato paste, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, flavored with garlic and seasoned with salt and pepper, creating a delightful balance of tangy, creamy, and savory notes perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 pound)

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 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

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste into the skillet with the garlic butter. Mix well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Season the Sauce: Add salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy tomato pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a smaller amount of cream.
• You can add fresh basil or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy tomato pasta, penne pasta recipe, tomato cream sauce, easy pasta dinner, Italian pasta dish