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Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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