This dish features al dente pasta luxuriously bathed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, and crowned with fresh basil, every bite delivers a perfect balance of tanginess and velvety creaminess. Ideal for a comforting meal bursting with flavor.

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I recently tried out this Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe and I gotta say, it’s become one of my go-to meals. I started by boiling 12 oz of pasta, and while that was cooking, I heated 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and tossed in 1 small diced onion along with 3 cloves minced garlic.

I also threw in 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Then I added 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes and let everything simmer to blend the flavors well.

After that I stirred in 1/2 cup heavy cream along with some salt and pepper to taste. Finally, I garnished it with fresh basil leaves and topped it off with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese if you want that extra kick.

This dish has a great balance of carbs and proteins making it a hearty and nutritious tomato pasta recipe that perfectly fits a quick, easy pasta dinner or salad pasta idea.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to make but still fills my belly with amazing, comforting flavors. First off, I love how the creamy tomato sauce is rich and tangy without being overwhelming. I also really dig how the heat from the red pepper flakes gives it just the right kick, making every bite interesting. Another reason is that mixing the fresh basil in at the end brings a light, herby flavor that somehow makes the whole dish feel fresh even though its a creamy dish. And finally, it’s a cool go-to meal that lets me experiment a bit; I can adjust the spice or even throw in some extra veggies whenever i feel like mixing things up.

This recipe is basically super easy creamy tomato pasta that comes together in no time and tastes even better than it looks. The process is straightforward and even though i sometimes mess up little details, it always turns out pretty tasty and comforting.

Ingredients

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Pasta serves as a hearty and delicious carbohydrate base, fueling energy and satisfying cravings perfectly.
Olive oil provides healthy fats, elevating flavor and lending a smooth richness to every bite.
Diced onion adds natural sweetness, fiber, and depth of flavor for a robust, layered taste.
Minced garlic bursts with bold, irresistible flavor and supports health, offering strong antimicrobial properties.
Diced tomatoes bring natural acidity and high levels of vitamins, creating a fresh, tangy sauce.
Heavy cream adds indulgent creaminess and a smooth texture, perfectly balancing the acidity.
Fresh basil and aged Parmesan deliver herbal freshness and savory protein, perfectly finishing the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz pasta (like spaghetti or penne)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice)

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta as per package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

2. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat; add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft.

3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring them in and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all the juice) and let the sauce simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in the heavy cream into the tomato sauce and mix well, letting it simmer for another 2 minutes.

6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer on low heat for another 2 minutes so all the flavors blend.

7. Add the drained pasta into the sauce and toss the pasta well so that it gets coated with that creamy tomato goodness.

8. Remove the pan from heat and mix in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves.

9. Serve the pasta hot, and if you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

10. Enjoy your Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta while it’s fresh and warm, it’s a perfect meal for any day!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot to boil the water and cook the pasta
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Large frying pan for making the sauce
4. Knife for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic
5. Cutting board to chop the ingredients
6. Measuring cups and spoons for the olive oil, cream and spices
7. Wooden spoon or spatula to stir the sauce
8. Can opener to open the diced tomatoes

FAQ

Q: What pasta should i use for this recipe?

A: You can use spaghetti or penne, but really any pasta works fine. Just pick one that holds the sauce well.

Q: Can i substitute the heavy cream?

A: Yes, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream if you want a dairy-free version.

Q: I dont like spicy food, can i skip the red pepper flakes?

A: Sure, you can leave it out if you dont like a little heat in your dish.

Q: Can i use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

A: You can use fresh tomatoes but they might need a longer cooking time to break down into a smooth sauce.

Q: How long can i store leftovers?

A: Leftovers last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up on the stove or in the microwave when youre ready to eat.

Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even a bit of melted butter for a richer taste.
Instead of heavy cream, try using coconut cream or a blended cashew cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
If red pepper flakes arent available, a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce can give it a similar kick.
For grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works great, or if you’re vegan, nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Try using a splash of the starchy pasta water in the sauce if it seems a bit thick. It helps to blend the cream and tomatoes together really well.
2. Don’t overcook the onions or garlic – they’re the backbone of flavors, so cook ’em just enough to get soft and fragrant.
3. If you love extra flavor, toss in another drizzle of good olive oil right before serving; it’s a small step that can make a big difference in taste.
4. Allow the pasta to sit in the sauce off the heat for a minute or two; it lets the flavors sink in a bit more, makin’ each bite tastier.