Tomato Pasta Recipe • Rich, Velvety 20-Minute Skillet
A quick, creamy tomato pasta dish made in under 20 minutes. Rich, comforting, and packed with bold flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups crushed tomatoes or passata
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼–½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup water, then drain.
- In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic; cook 30 sec.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 min. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 3–4 mins.
- Add cream and Parmesan; season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss in cooked pasta. Add pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Garnish with herbs and more Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Use whole milk for a lighter sauce.
- Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep well for 3–4 days.