Description
If you’re craving rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta in just 15 minutes, this Creamy Tomato Pasta is your answer! Made with sweet sautéed onions, garlic, rich tomato paste, and a touch of cream, this dish is simple yet packed with deliciousness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
✔️ 1 lb Rigatoni or Penne
✔️ ½ yellow onion, diced
✔️ 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
✔️ 6 oz canned tomato paste 🍅
✔️ ½ cup heavy cream (or see substitutions below)
✔️ ½ cup reserved pasta water
✔️ 1 tbsp dehydrated basil (or 3 tbsp fresh)
✔️ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
✔️ ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta 🍝
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce 🍅
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onions until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to develop flavor.
- Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, then pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
- Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
3️⃣ Combine & Serve 🧀
- Add the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, tossing until well coated.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Notes
💡 No heavy cream? Use half & half or regular milk + 2 tbsp butter. Cream cheese works too—just add more pasta water.
💡 Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
💡 Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.