Creamy Tomato Pasta

Discovering this creamy tomato pasta was like stumbling upon a comforting hug on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I made it, the rich aromas filling the kitchen and the way the velvety sauce brought warmth to the whole meal.

One unforgettable evening, unexpected guests dropped by and this pasta saved the day — I had everything ready in under half an hour, and the compliments kept rolling in.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Penne or fusilli works perfectly here, holding the sauce just right without getting soggy
• Olive oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin for that rich base flavor
• Onion and garlic: Finely diced and minced to melt seamlessly into the sauce
• Crushed tomatoes: I always reach for the best canned ones; it makes a big difference
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato punch and thickens the sauce beautifully
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity without making it taste sweet
• Heavy cream: Adds that luscious, silky texture that transforms the dish
• Dried oregano and basil: The classic Italian herbs that bring everything together
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is worth the extra effort; use more if you're a cheese lover
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn and sprinkled at the end for that vibrant final touch

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta, prepping your ingredients so everything flows smoothly.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening later.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in your skillet, then add onion stirring until soft and translucent; the kitchen fills with a sweet, savory scent.

Add Garlic and Tomato Paste:

Stir in garlic until fragrant, quickly followed by tomato paste which deepens the color and flavor.

Simmer the Tomato Sauce:

Pour crushed tomatoes, sprinkle sugar, herbs, and season well. Simmer gently, letting the sauce thicken and meld flavors with occasional stirring.

Enrich With Cream:

Turn heat low, stirring in heavy cream until sauce turns silky smooth and indulgently creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water little by little if it feels too thick, making sure every piece is lovingly coated.

Finish and Serve:

Mix in Parmesan, adjust seasoning, then serve topped with extra cheese and fresh torn basil for that final burst of flavor and color.

Save

This dish became more than just a meal when my family gathered around the table on a cold night, sharing stories and laughter with bowls of this warm, creamy pasta that felt like home.

Keeping It Fresh

Fresh basil sprinkled right before serving brightens the whole dish, contrasting beautifully with the creamy richness. I always tear leaves by hand to release their full aroma.

When You're Missing Something

If you're out of heavy cream, I've swapped in coconut cream for a dairy-free twist that still yields a silky texture. Just remember it adds a subtle coconut note.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and rustic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.

• Don't forget extra Parmesan to keep on the table for friends who love cheese
• Try adding a pinch of chili flakes if you'd like a little kick
• Saving leftover sauce for tomorrow's lunch is my secret to a second serving of happiness

Save

Thanks for sharing your kitchen time with me; I hope this creamy tomato pasta becomes a comforting favorite for you too.

Your Questions Answered

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne or fusilli hold the sauce well due to their shape, but any short pasta can be used.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before tossing with pasta.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Substitute heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan Parmesan or omit the cheese.

→ What herbs enhance the sauce flavor?

Dried oregano and basil provide classic Italian notes, complemented by fresh basil garnish.

→ How do I adjust sauce thickness?

Add reserved pasta water gradually when tossing pasta to thin the sauce if needed.