Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option, this 15-minute Creamy Tomato Pasta is a must-try! This simple yet luxurious dish features sweet sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, rich tomato paste, and a touch of cream to create a restaurant-quality sauce. The best part? It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

With a smooth, velvety texture and a tangy, savory taste, this Creamy Tomato Pasta is a true comfort food delight. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

What is Creamy Tomato Pasta?

Creamy Tomato Pasta is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the deep flavors of tomato paste with the richness of cream, creating a luscious, silky sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese, this meal is simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious.

Unlike traditional marinara or spaghetti sauces, this recipe uses tomato paste as the base, which gives it a more intense and deep tomato flavor while allowing for a quick cook time. A touch of heavy cream balances the acidity, resulting in a perfectly creamy and savory pasta sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this incredible Creamy Tomato Pasta:

1 lb Pasta (Rigatoni or Penne recommended)
½ Yellow Onion (finely diced)
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
6 oz Canned Tomato Paste
½ Cup Heavy Cream
½ Cup Reserved Pasta Water
1 Tablespoon Dehydrated Basil or 3 Tablespoons Fresh Basil
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
½ Cup Grated Parmesan (Optional, for topping)

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta in 15 Minutes

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
Add salt to the water for flavor enhancement.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to use in the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (until fragrant).
Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
Pour in the reserved pasta water to thin the tomato paste into a smooth sauce.
Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce becomes creamy and thick.
Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce.
Stir well to coat each piece with the creamy tomato sauce.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta

Start boiling water first! This ensures your pasta cooks while you prepare the sauce, making it a true 15-minute meal.
Reserve pasta water. It helps create a silky sauce consistency.
Don’t burn the garlic! Add garlic after the onions are soft to prevent bitterness.
Substitutes for Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half, whole milk with butter, or even cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Add protein! Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Pasta

This rich and creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds more nutrition and flavor to the meal.
Glass of White Wine – Complements the creamy and tangy notes.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can cause the cream to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Tomato Paste?

Yes! While tomato paste gives a deep flavor, you can blend fresh tomatoes and cook them down to concentrate the taste.

What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Rigatoni and penne are ideal since they hold sauce well. However, you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or farfalle.

Is This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! This Creamy Tomato Pasta is completely vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan.

Why This Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try

Super Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes.
Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples.
Restaurant-Quality Taste – Rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for date nights, busy weeknights, or meal prep.

🍝 15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta – Better Than a Restaurant!

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

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.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a delicious, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in no time, this Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is your go-to! With its silky, rich sauce and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-style pasta meal at home! Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how it turned out. 🍝✨

15-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta – A Quick & Delicious Italian Dinner