Simple Creamy Tomato Pasta

LEEZA JOHAN

Craving a quick, comforting dinner? This ultra-creamy, easy 20-minute creamy tomato pasta combines perfectly cooked penne with a rich, velvety sauce for the ultimate weeknight meal.

20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta

When you need dinner on the table fast, this 20-minute creamy tomato pasta is the ultimate lifesaver. It’s rich, comforting, and tastes like it simmered for hours, but this creamy tomato pasta comes together in just a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 20-minute creamy tomato pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.


Simple Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

  • Penne Pasta: 12 oz (or your favorite short pasta shape)

  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp

  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

  • Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp

  • Tomato Sauce / Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz)

  • Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (for that signature creamy texture)

  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated (plus more for serving)

  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp

  • Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—this is the secret to a silky sauce.

  2. Build the Flavor Base: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

  3. Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes.

  4. Make it Creamy: Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns a beautiful, glossy orange.

  5. Toss and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well to coat every piece of penne. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little of your reserved pasta water.

Garnish your fresh bowl of 20-minute creamy tomato pasta with an extra dusting of shredded parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh green herbs. Enjoy hot!

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