Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta (Using Tomato Paste)

A bowl of creamy tomato pasta garnished with basil leaf, also garlic bread, cheese and a golden fork kept on the side.

No ratings yet

Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta (Using Tomato Paste)

This creamy tomato pasta is rich, filling, and utterly delicious! A quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner comes together in 20 minutes. A silky pink sauce made with tomato paste, cream, and cheese.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword creamy tomato pasta using tomato paste, easy creamy tomato pasta, pasta with tomato cream sauce

Diet Vegetarian

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 505kcal

Author Bhavana Patil

Ingredients

2-2 ½ cups uncooked pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3-4 garlic cloves minced
½ cup onion (or shallot), finely chopped
6 tablespoons organic tomato paste
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
½ teaspoon red chili flakes
salt & pepper to taste
¼-1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2-3 tablespoons fresh basil
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (parmesan or any cheese)
Optional: sautéed veggies (mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli and sweet corn)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, and cook until the onions turn translucent.
Next, you may also add ½ cup cherry tomatoes and cook until soft. I did not use it in this recipe.
Add tomato paste and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy whipping cream and seasonings such as Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and salt & pepper. Let it simmer for a minute or till the sauce thickens. If the sauce is a little tangy, add a pinch of sugar if desired.
Note: Do not substitute whole milk for heavy cream in this recipe. The acidity from the tomato paste can cause the milk to curdle.
Add the cooked pasta to the tomato cream sauce, reserved pasta water, and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some more reserved pasta water.
Turn off the heat. Stir in cheese (of your choice) and fresh basil or parsley along with the pasta.
Serve hot with extra cheese on top, garlic bread, or a simple salad.

Nutrition