Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish featuring penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a simple yet indulgent Italian-inspired pasta.
- 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
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
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and bubbly, about 1 minute. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Simmer the tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for approximately 3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a bright finish. Serve the creamy tomato pasta warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, penne pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, Italian pasta sauce, easy weeknight meals, vegetarian pasta
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe/