20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta Dinner
A creamy, cheesy tomato pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes with pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy comfort food cravings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes until deep red.
- Add cream and pasta water. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Toss in pasta and Parmesan. Simmer 1–2 minutes until creamy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Add protein (shrimp, chicken) for a fuller meal.
- Use vegan cream and cheese for a plant-based version.
- Keeps well for 4 days in the fridge.
Find it online: https://yumnexio.com/20-minute-creamy-tomato-pasta-dinner/