Creamy Tomato Pasta
A quick and easy weeknight pasta that's tossed in tomato cream sauce and finished with chopped fresh basil.
Serves4 to 6
Prep5 minutes
Cook15 minutes to 25 minutes
Sometimes the only thing that can solve a long, hectic weekday is a splash of cream. In those cases, turn to this comforting creamy tomato pasta. Al dente short noodles, such as penne pasta, are tossed in a quick tomato cream sauce and finished with lots of chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan for the kind of meal the whole family can agree on. It will put a smile of everyone’s face, no matter the kind of day they had! Here’s how to make it.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s an easy version of a classic. This quick and easy dinner is inspired by penne alla vodka, but made simpler with fewer ingredients — namely, the vodka. I assure you, it won’t be missed, and the omission makes it more kid-friendly.
- Perfect for weeknights. This pasta sauce has just four key ingredients: onion, garlic, a can of crushed tomatoes, and cream. It’s so easy to make on those busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
Key Ingredients in Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Pasta: Any dry short pasta works here, such as penne or farfalle.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics form the base of every good sauce.
- Tomatoes: You’ll need a (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce extra special, but it’s not poured with a heavy hand. A generous splash is really all you need to add richness to the sauce without making this dinner feel too indulgent.
- Basil: Add chopped fresh basil leaves at the end for maximum flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Make the sauce. Sauté the onion until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream.
- Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, boil the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Toss to combine. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to combine. Add the basil, toss once more, and serve with grated cheese.
More Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipes to Try
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Pasta
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
A quick and easy weeknight pasta that's tossed in tomato cream sauce and finished with chopped fresh basil.
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes to 25 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons
olive oil
- 1
small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves
garlic, minced
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can
crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon
kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
- 1 pound
dry short pasta, such as penne
- 1/2 cup
heavy cream
- 1/2 cup
chopped fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, high-sided sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 finey chopped small yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Carefully pour in 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound dry short pasta and cook al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to combine. Add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, toss once more, and serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.