Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite creamy tomato pasta! This dish is a delightful hug in a bowl, and I can’t get enough of it. Growing up, pasta was always a staple in our home, but when I discovered the magic of adding a rich, creamy tomato sauce, it felt like a culinary revelation! The way the creamy base perfectly complements the tangy tomatoes is just heavenly. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food stat! Trust me, once you try this creamy tomato pasta, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
- 200g pasta of your choice (I love using penne or fettuccine for this recipe!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this adds that luscious richness we crave)
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned works great, but fresh is even better if you have them!)
- 1 onion, chopped (this gives a wonderful base flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and adding that lovely richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you have it on hand!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste, you can adjust this later)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
- Parmesan cheese for serving (don’t skimp on this, it makes it divine!)
How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Pasta
Making this creamy tomato pasta is as easy as it is delicious! Let’s dive right into the steps, and you’ll see how quickly you can whip this up. First things first, start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. You’ll want to cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, I like to prepare the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Wow, the aroma is divine already! Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
Once your sauce has thickened just a bit, it’s time to stir in that luscious heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring gently as it thickens to a silky consistency. At this point, your pasta should be ready! Drain it (don’t rinse—keep that starchy goodness!), and toss it right into the sauce. Give it a good stir to coat every piece of pasta in that creamy, tomato goodness. And there you have it! Serve it hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and enjoy every heavenly bite!
Nutritional Information
This creamy tomato pasta recipe serves two, and each plate is packed with flavor! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving: approximately 600 calories, 30g of fat (including 15g of saturated fat), 15g of protein, and 70g of carbohydrates. It’s a delightful balance of richness and comfort, but remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy tomato pasta comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and Creamy: The luscious creaminess envelops each pasta piece, creating a comforting dish you’ll crave.
- Vibrant Flavor: The blend of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil makes every bite bursting with flavor.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a hearty dish that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re a meat lover or not!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy tomato pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning—taste as you go! If you want a bit more zing, a splash of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully. For a lighter version, try substituting half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt—it still gives you that creaminess but with a tangy twist.
And if you want to add some greens, toss in spinach or kale during the last couple of minutes of cooking for a nutritious boost. Finally, serve it up with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Yum!
Variations
Let’s get creative with this creamy tomato pasta! One of my favorite ways to switch it up is by adding colorful veggies. Try tossing in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor?
Herbs can also make a big difference! Swap out the dried basil for fresh basil or even some oregano for a different twist. If you love a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can take this dish to the next level. And don’t forget about the pasta—feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized veggies like zucchini instead of traditional pasta for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy tomato pasta properly is key to keeping it delicious for later! After serving, let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps those creamy flavors intact. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes until warmed through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If you’re using a stovetop, add a splash of water or extra cream to help loosen the sauce as you gently heat it over medium-low. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can cause the cream to separate. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ Section
How long can I store creamy tomato pasta? You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing it up!
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape—whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles work wonderfully!
What if I don’t have heavy cream? No problem! You can substitute half of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Use a non-dairy cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese instead. It’ll still taste amazing!
How can I spice it up? If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. It adds a delightful kick to the rich flavors!
Print
Creamy Tomato Pasta: 5 Reasons to Savor Every Bite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish with a tomato base.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Use fresh basil for more flavor.
- Can substitute cream with a non-dairy alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Pasta