This creamy tomato pasta is the weeknight hero you’ll crave again and again. The sauce is smooth, rich, and silky—made with butter, garlic, tomato paste, and a splash of heavy cream for that dreamy restaurant-style finish. It’s quick (just 25 minutes!), uses everyday pantry ingredients, and tastes like comfort food in a bowl. Perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy without a lot of effort. Serve it with a big sprinkle of Parmesan and maybe a simple salad or garlic bread. If you’re searching for tomato cream sauce or an easy creamy pasta dinner, this one is a must-save!
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 8 oz uncooked pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Garlic press or knife
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente (follow package time).
- Start the sauce: While pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). 😊
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Simmer: Let the sauce gently bubble about 5 minutes until slightly thick and silky. If it boils too fast, lower the heat. ✨
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too tangy, stir in a pinch of sugar.
- Toss: Drain pasta and toss with the sauce. Add a splash of hot pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Serve: Top with lots of Parmesan and enjoy right away. 🍝🧀
Pro Tips
- Silky sauce trick: Stir constantly when adding cream so it blends smoothly.
- Use pasta water: A splash makes the sauce glossy and clingy.
- Add-ins: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken for a fuller meal.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on low with a splash of cream or water.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 447 | 10g | 51g | 23g | 4g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Simmer gently about 5 minutes until sauce thickens to your liking.
- Season with salt and pepper. If too tangy, add a pinch of sugar.
- Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Add a splash of hot pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately with plenty of Parmesan.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Creamy Tomato Pasta is quick, comforting, and silky-smooth an easy dinner that feels fancy with almost no effort.