Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe I can’t get enough of! It is rich, flavorful, quick to make, and on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Author’s Notes
The Pasta My Daughter Begged For All Week
My youngest daughter could eat pasta for every single meal (yes, even breakfast!) if I let her. She’s obsessed with spaghetti, homemade mac and cheese is her ultimate favorite, and believe it or not, she can do some serious damage to this pumpkin pasta recipe.
Naturally, I’m always thinking up new pasta recipes she’ll love. I figured a simple tomato-based pasta with a touch of cream and some Parm would be a win, but I was not prepared for just how much she loved it.
She nearly polished off an entire batch by herself, and we ended up making it several times that week. Safe to say, this creamy tomato pasta recipe is here to stay!
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Pasta & reserved cooking water | Reserved pasta water makes the sauce stick to the pasta and helps keep it smooth. It also thins the sauce if it gets too thick. |
| Salt | Pasta water needs salt because the only chance to season the pasta itself is while it cooks. Unsalted water makes pasta bland, while salted water gives it flavor from the inside out. |
| Onion & garlic | Dice the onion very small so it blends into the sauce and doesn’t stay crunchy in the creamy tomato pasta recipe. Garlic adds great flavor, and garlic powder works in a pinch. |
| Tomato paste, heavy cream, chicken stock, & red pepper flakes | Cook the tomato paste until slightly darkened for a deeper flavor. Cream and stock make the sauce rich and smooth. Red pepper flakes add some flavor and heat. |
| Parmesan | Grate fresh Parmesan on a fine grater so it melts smoothly and gives the sauce the best flavor. |
Storage
This creamy tomato pasta recipe is best enjoyed right off the stovetop.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce again.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16 oz) pasta plus 1 cup cooking water (I use fusilli bucati)
- 1 tablespoon salt plus more to season the sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion very finely diced, optional
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 can (6-ounces) tomato paste
- 1-1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup chicken stock or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus more for serving (see note 1)
Instructions
- Bring 12 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and golden, 3–5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it slightly darkens in color (this adds flavor!). Lower heat if needed.
- Stir in cream, chicken stock, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste (I add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Simmer, stirring often, until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Add in Parmesan, stirring constantly, until melted.
- Add pasta and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water to the sauce. Toss over medium heat for 2 minutes, until pasta is well-coated. Add more cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Plate immediately and top with extra Parmesan.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Tips
- Cook pasta just shy of al dente: It will finish cooking in the sauce and soak up more flavor.
- Grate cheese ahead: Have Parmesan ready before adding pasta so the sauce doesn’t cool down.
- Stir constantly at the end: Keeps the sauce from catching on the bottom of the pan and ensures even coating.
- Finish with a drizzle: A splash of olive oil or extra cream at the end makes the sauce extra silky.
Quick Tip
Top Tip: Warm the tomato paste in the pan until it turns a deeper red and smells sweet. This caramelization gives the creamy tomato pasta recipe a richer, deeper flavor.
What To Serve With This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe:
- Garlic bread or French bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Simple garden salad with a light dressing to balance the richness.
- Roasted veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Great, quick, easy weeknight dinner
Yay! So happy this creamy tomato pasta recipe was a hit! Thanks Vanessa!