Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 g pasta of choice; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp oil; 2 tbsp garlic (freshly minced); 1/2 count onion (thinly diced); 4 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 cup heavy cream (unsweetened); 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated); to taste salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp red chili flakes; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, for garnish); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

A quick and easy creamy tomato pasta recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish features al dente pasta coated in a rich, savory sauce made with butter, garlic, and onion, enhanced with concentrated tomato paste, then made luxuriously smooth with unsweetened heavy cream and a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and a hint of red chili flakes, it's a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together in under 35 minutes, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

#pasta

#creamy

#tomato

#quick meal

#weeknight dinner

#comfort food

#vegetarian

Creamy Tomato Pasta Ready to Serve

Recipe Information

12m

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

32m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

740

Calories

27g

Protein

52g

Carbs

68g

Fat

Close-up of Saucy Pasta

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta Tossed in Rich Sauce

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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10m
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Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
10m
Ensure the pasta is cooked just right for the best texture when combined with the sauce.
2
In a large pan, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
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5m
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In a large pan, melt butter with oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
5m
Don't let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter quickly. Adjust heat as needed.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor and color.
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3m
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor and color.
3m
Cooking the tomato paste helps to remove its raw, metallic taste and concentrate its sweetness.
4
Pour in the unsweetened heavy cream. Add salt to taste, black pepper, garlic powder, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
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5m
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Pour in the unsweetened heavy cream. Add salt to taste, black pepper, garlic powder, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5m
Taste and adjust seasonings here to your preference. The sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers.
5
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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4m
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Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4m
The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky smooth and helping it cling to the pasta.
6
Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
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2m
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Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
2m
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. A little extra parmesan on top never hurts!