Creamy Tomato Pasta on a plate

Pasta · Easy

Creamy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta blends a rich tomato sauce with cream for a silky pink sauce that clings to every noodle, ready in about 20 minutes.

5Prep min
15Cook min
20Total min
  • 12 ozpenne or rigatoni
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 2 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz)crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cupheavy cream
  • 1/2 cupgrated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoonsfresh basil, chopped
  • to taste salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
  1. 1Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. 4Stir in the cream and parmesan, simmering for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  5. 5Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed, then stir in fresh basil and serve.

Make it yours

  • Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage.
  • Stir in spinach for extra greens.
  • Add a splash of vodka while simmering for a classic vodka sauce flavor.

Good with

  • Garlic bread
  • A simple side salad
  • Extra parmesan at the table

Good questions, answered.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, use a splash of milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Add it off high heat and let the sauce simmer gently rather than boil once the cream is stirred in.