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Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner recipe! When evenings get busy, you need a dinner that’s fast, delicious, and satisfies everyone at the table kids and adults alike. This 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a silky, cozy Italian-inspired meal in record time. Creamy sauce coats tender penne, melting mozzarella and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food. Plus, you can make it all in one pot and enjoy minimal cleanup leaving you more time to relax and savor supper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters
- Uses real, wholesome ingredients
- Flexible: swap penne or use gluten-free
- Satisfying for the whole family
Whether you’re planning a healthy weeknight meal, searching for quick dinner ideas, or need a cheap, filling recipe for a crowd, this Creamy Tomato Pasta checks every box.
Ingredients
Use this table for easy shopping & prep:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 1 pound |
| Kosher salt | 1 ½ teaspoons + more |
| Salted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion, chopped | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic cloves, chopped | 4 large |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 14.5 ounces |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¾ cup + more for serving |
| Fresh basil, thinly sliced | ½ cup + more for serving |
| Fresh mozzarella, torn | 1 pound |
For best results, use high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella! If you need any kitchen equipment, check out these useful tools:
- pots
- cutting board
- chef’s knives
- measuring cups and spoons set
- mixing bowls
- colander strainer basket
- frying pans
- kitchen utensils
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with kosher salt. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain (do not rinse), reserve 1 cup pasta water. - Make the Sauce
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat until foaming. Add chopped onion and a sprinkle of salt, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until soft but not browned. - Add Garlic & Tomato
Stir in chopped garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute, then stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes. - Finish with Cream & Cheese
Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil for a luscious, silky sauce. - Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss cooked penne into the pot and stir to coat. Add about ¾ cup reserved pasta water for extra silkiness. - Fold in Mozzarella
Add torn mozzarella, mixing gently until it starts to melt into the sauce. - Serve Hot
Spoon into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and basil for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Save extra pasta water to adjust sauce thickness.
- For more protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Swap penne for rigatoni, shells, or gluten-free pasta.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor boost!
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream.
Equipment List
Make prep and cooking easy click to shop top-rated kitchen gear:
- air fryer
- thermomix
- oven
- electric mixer
- food processor
- pots
- frying pans
- kitchen utensils
- cutting board
- chef’s knives
- measuring cups and spoons set
- mixing bowls
- blender
- baking sheets
- electric can opener
- colander strainer basket
- peeler
- meat tenderizer
- garlic press
- rolling pin
- steamer insert
- weight kitchen
FAQs About Creamy Tomato Pasta
Can I substitute the cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cream sauces don’t freeze well, but you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Penne works great, but rotini, rigatoni, or shells also hold up well in creamy sauces.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Absolutely! Try sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
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Print20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta
A rich and creamy tomato pasta made in 20 minutes, featuring Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a satisfying family dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pound penne
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt plus more for pasta water
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 ½ cups chopped onion
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 14.5 ounces can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil plus more for serving
1 pound fresh mozzarella, torn into bite sized pieces
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with kosher salt and add pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, save 1 cup pasta liquid.
2. In the same pot over medium heat, melt the butter. When foamy, add onion and a sprinkle of salt, sauté 3-4 min until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic, sauté 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste, sauté 1 minute.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, remaining kosher salt, and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil; stir until smooth.
7. Return penne to the pot, toss to coat. Add about ¾ cup reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
8. Stir in fresh mozzarella.
9. Serve with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
Reduce red pepper for mild flavor.
Swap penne for any short pasta.
Serve immediately for best texture.