Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3.8 mg 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape); 6.5 as needed 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 pt 2 cloves garlic, minced; 5.3 pt 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1.9 drop 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2.8 mg 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 9.5 gal 1/2 cup heavy cream; 5 g 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; 2.1 lb 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 3.1 dash Salt and pepper to taste

By Crystal Thompson

November 12, 2025

5451 views

This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines the acidity of tomatoes with the richness of cream, creating a balanced and satisfying sauce. The addition of garlic, basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes elevates the flavor profile, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami finish. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a versatile option for any meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete and delicious experience. The creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish that's sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape) - 3.8 mg
2 tablespoons olive oil - 6.5 as needed
2 cloves garlic, minced - 8.0 pt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 5.3 pt
28 ounces crushed tomatoes - 1.9 drop
2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2.8 mg
1/2 cup heavy cream - 9.5 gal
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish - 5.0 g
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish - 2.1 lb
Salt and pepper to taste - 3.1 dash

Cooking Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

# Broiled # Overnight # 5-Ingredients