Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy Tomato Pasta: Quick, Comforting, and Family-Approved

Creamy Tomato Pasta combines a rich sauce with al dente penne, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne pasta can substitute with any pasta type
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter can substitute with olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce use quality brand for best taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste omit if unavailable
  • 1 cup heavy cream can substitute with half-and-half
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated; use vegan alternative if desired
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper adjust to taste; optional red pepper flakes for spice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup spinach stir in just before serving
  • 1 cup diced jalapeños for spice
  • 1 cup cooked chicken or meatballs for added protein

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  5. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, about ½ teaspoon each.
  6. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss in the creamy sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating if the sauce thickens.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!