Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta – Rich, Cozy, and Delicious

Looking for a pasta recipe that’s cozy, comforting, and comes together in a flash? This Creamy Garlic Tomato Pasta is your answer. It’s rich and silky from the cream, bright from the tomatoes, and deeply flavorful thanks to garlic and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or even a festive Christmas dinner side dish.

Whether you use rigatoni, elbow pasta, or spaghetti, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly memorable. And if you want to bulk it up with ground beef or keep it meat-free, it’s flexible enough to meet all your cravings—any time of year.

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Ingredients Overview

This dish relies on balanced pantry ingredients that work together to deliver a luxurious yet simple tomato cream sauce.

Pasta

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or penne is ideal for catching the sauce in every crevice. You can also use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer a classic look.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic is key to the flavor foundation. Use at least 4 cloves to make it shine—sautéed gently for a mellow, aromatic depth.

Olive Oil & Butter

A combination of olive oil and unsalted butter creates a rich base for sautéing and enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.

Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes

Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor and body, while crushed tomatoes (or a tomato purée) bring sweetness and acidity. Together, they make the ideal tomato base for cream sauce.

Heavy Cream

Adds richness and helps mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.

Parmesan Cheese

Melts into the sauce for extra umami and saltiness. Always go for freshly grated Parmesan to avoid gritty texture.

Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes

Italian seasoning brings herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Red pepper flakes add just a touch of warmth to the creamy sauce.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for balance—season as you go to build layered flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward and designed for real life—quick, satisfying, and easy to master.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring often until fragrant (but not browned).

Step 3: Add Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute to deepen its flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until well combined. Add grated Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce.

Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with more Parmesan, fresh basil, or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Always reserve pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency.

• Don’t overcook garlic—it turns bitter if browned.

• Let tomato paste caramelize for 1–2 minutes before adding other ingredients to build depth.

Variations

• With Ground Beef: Brown ½ lb of ground beef in the skillet before adding garlic. Drain excess fat, then continue with the recipe.

• Christmas Pasta: Stir in sautéed spinach and roasted red peppers for a festive red-and-green holiday version.

• Summer Version: Use fresh cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a bright seasonal flavor.

Substitutions

• Lighter Cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk (sauce will be thinner but still flavorful).

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a thick cashew cream alternative.

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This pasta is a quick fix for nearly any situation, from casual weeknights to Christmas dinner sides.

When to Serve It:

• Family dinners—kid-friendly and universally loved

• Holiday spreads—serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or ham

• Summer pasta nights—pair with grilled veggies and a cold salad

• Potluck dishes—it’s make-ahead friendly and reheats well

What to Serve With It:

• Garlic bread or focaccia

• Crisp Caesar or arugula salad

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Grilled sausage or meatballs for protein

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Though this dish is indulgent, there are easy ways to make it healthier and balanced.

What Makes It Healthier Than Most Cream Sauces:

• No butter-heavy roux—the cream is enough for richness.

• No sugar—natural sweetness comes from tomato paste and cooked garlic.

• Flexible ingredients—you can adjust dairy and fat content easily.

Healthy Modifications:

• Add steamed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or peas.

• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.

• Cut the cream with vegetable broth or use Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

A serving offers comfort, carbohydrates for energy, and calcium from the cheese—plus antioxidants from tomatoes and garlic.

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FAQs

1. Can I make this without cream?

Yes. Substitute half-and-half, whole milk, or plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or oat cream. The sauce will be lighter but still flavorful.

2. What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rigatoni is ideal because it holds sauce well. Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti also works for a more elegant dish.

3. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Ground beef, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas are great additions.

4. How long does this pasta keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water.

5. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, but it may be thinner. You can reduce it a bit longer before adding the cream.

6. Is it good for meal prep?

Definitely. Make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. Combine and reheat before serving.

7. What herbs work best for garnish?

Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme are all delicious. Dried herbs can be used in the sauce, but fresh herbs add brightness at the end.

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