Quick Creamy Tomato Pasta
A quick and easy creamy tomato pasta recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. This comforting dish features a rich yet light tomato cream sauce with garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400g) crushed or diced tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water and drain the rest.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in 1 can (14 ounces / 400g) crushed or diced tomatoes. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Lower heat and slowly stir in ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream. Cook gently for 2 minutes, stirring often until sauce is smooth and pinkish-orange.
- Remove skillet from heat and mix in ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Add more reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor. Cook sauce on medium to low heat to prevent cream curdling. Add basil at the end to preserve freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 15
Keywords: quick pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, homemade pasta sauce, garlic pasta, basil pasta, Parmesan pasta