Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won't be as rich or stable. If using milk, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the milk before adding to help thicken it, and be careful not to let it boil which could cause curdling.

Why is my sauce too tangy or acidic?

Some canned tomato products are more acidic than others. Add another pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or try a tablespoon of butter which can also help mellow the tang.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce actually improves with a day of rest in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat gently and cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 Tablespoons butter; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce; Dash of sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, chopped

This incredibly satisfying Creamy Tomato Pasta combines the richness of heavy cream with the tanginess of tomato sauce to create a perfectly balanced pasta dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The velvety sauce clings to every piece of penne, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Comfort Food: When you need a satisfying meal fast, this pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this perfect for those nights when you don’t want to make a grocery run.
Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, slightly sweet tomato sauce is universally loved – even picky eaters can’t resist this one!
Versatile Base: While delicious on its own, this pasta makes a fantastic canvas for adding protein or vegetables to create a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Penne pasta: The ridges and tubular shape catch the creamy sauce perfectly. You could also use rigatoni or ziti for similar results.
Butter and olive oil: This combination gives you the flavor of butter with the higher smoking point of olive oil – the perfect start for sautéing.
Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic base that melts into the sauce. Dice it finely so it incorporates completely.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds essential depth of flavor. Don’t skimp here – four cloves might sound like a lot, but it balances perfectly with the tomato.
Tomato sauce: The foundation of the dish. Use a good quality canned sauce for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Sugar: Just a dash counteracts the acidity of the tomatoes and creates balance. Trust me, don’t skip this!
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything together. Adjust to your taste.
Heavy cream: This transforms the tomato sauce into something luxuriously silky. The richness cuts through the acidity beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami quality that takes the sauce from good to incredible. Always use freshly grated for the best melt.
Fresh basil: The bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish. The contrast between the creamy sauce and fresh herb is magical.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Additions

Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp to make this a heartier meal. Cook the protein separately and mix in just before serving.

Vegetable Boost

Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. Add spinach at the very end so it just wilts.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a warming kick. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference.

Vodka Sauce Twist

Add 2 tablespoons of vodka after sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing it to reduce for 2-3 minutes before adding the tomato sauce. The alcohol cooks out, leaving a unique depth of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook penne in generously salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water – this is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Start the Sauce Base

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent – about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will become bitter.

Step 3: Develop the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and a dash of sugar. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and develop richness.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until completely incorporated. The sauce should take on a beautiful orange-pink hue and have a silky consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve in pasta bowls topped with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pasta Timing: Start cooking your pasta when the sauce has about 10 minutes left to simmer so everything finishes at the same time.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so make it slightly thinner than your final desired consistency.
Cheese Incorporation: Remove the pan from heat before adding cream and cheese to prevent curdling or graininess.
Fresh vs. Dried Basil: If you don’t have fresh basil, add 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the sauce while it simmers instead.
Taste As You Go: Tomato sauces vary in acidity and saltiness, so always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is also a natural companion for sopping up any extra sauce.

Wine Suggestion

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato base, while a crisp Pinot Grigio works if you prefer white wine.

Garnish Ideas

Beyond the traditional basil and Parmesan, try toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce, so it may become softer.

Freezing

The sauce (without pasta) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I don’t recommend freezing the complete dish with pasta as the texture suffers.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or stable. If using milk, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with the milk before adding to help thicken it, and be careful not to let it boil which could cause curdling.
Why is my sauce too tangy or acidic?

Some canned tomato products are more acidic than others. Add another pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or try a tablespoon of butter which can also help mellow the tang.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce actually improves with a day of rest in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat gently and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The velvety sauce with its gentle tang from the tomatoes and richness from the cream creates a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this pasta delivers comfort and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.