![To make creamy tomato pasta, you will need: - 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You can use a few simple garnishes to elevate your dish: - Extra basil leaves for freshness - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - A drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness While I love penne and fusilli, you can choose other pasta types as well: - Spaghetti for a classic feel - Farfalle for a fun shape - Rigatoni for a hearty bite For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions that follow. Enjoy your cooking! Start by filling a large pot with water. Make sure to add a lot of salt. This helps season the pasta while it cooks. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. I like to use penne or fusilli, but you can choose your favorite. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save one cup of the pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion. Sauté for about five minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until the garlic smells great. Now, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. When the sauce is ready, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in one cup of heavy cream. Mix until the cream blends into the sauce. If it’s too thick, add some of the saved pasta water. Do this until you reach the right consistency. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Let it cook on low for two to three minutes. This warms everything up and makes sure the pasta is coated well. Once done, serve it hot, topped with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this creamy tomato pasta delight from the full recipe! To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream. This type of cream gives a rich feel. Stir the cream in slowly and keep the heat low. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water bit by bit. This method keeps the sauce smooth and luscious. When sautéing, always heat your pan first. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Add olive oil, then the onions. Cook them until they are soft and clear. Next, add garlic for one minute. This adds great flavor without burning the garlic. To boost flavor, add a teaspoon of sugar. It balances the acidity of tomatoes. Fresh basil is also a must for aroma and taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Lastly, finish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more details! {{image_4}} You can boost your creamy tomato pasta with protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, use boneless breasts. Cook them in the skillet before adding the onions. For shrimp, toss them in after the garlic. They cook fast and add great flavor. Tofu is a great choice for vegans. Use firm tofu, cube it, and sauté it until golden. This adds texture and makes the dish filling. To make the dish vegetarian, just skip the meat. You can add more veggies instead. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini are tasty options. For a vegan version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy dairy-free option. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful while fitting a vegan diet. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then taste and adjust. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the dish too. Toss them in at the end for brightness. You can also try adding a dash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Let your taste guide you as you explore these fun variations! To store leftover creamy tomato pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stove, add a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently. To freeze creamy tomato pasta, portion it out into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta! Creamy Tomato Pasta can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it up. This helps prevent extra moisture, which can make your pasta soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can use other types of cream. Heavy cream gives the best flavor and richness. However, you can try half-and-half for a lighter dish. Coconut cream works for a dairy-free option. Just remember that different creams may change the taste and thickness a bit. For side dishes, I love to serve garlic bread or a simple green salad. Garlic bread pairs well and adds a crunchy texture. A garden salad with fresh veggies brings a nice balance. You can also add grilled vegetables for extra flavor. These sides enhance the meal without overpowering the creamy pasta. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe] section. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for creamy tomato pasta, from pasta types to optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the dish, along with tips for achieving a creamy texture. You learned how to customize the dish with protein or spice and how to store leftovers safely. Remember, creating a delicious pasta meal is all about using great ingredients and techniques. Enjoy your cooking adventures!](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ed5fb2d7-390a-4dc5-8542-0fe95eb0539f-300x300.webp)
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Indulge in this creamy tomato pasta delight, a dish that's sure to impress! With rich flavors and simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh garlic, and heavy cream, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it's quick to make in just 30 minutes.Your taste buds will thank you!