Creamy Tomato Pasta: Easy Recipe for Delicious Dinner

A skillet of garlic hitting olive oil stopped my son mid-sentence. “What are you making?” he asked, nose first. This creamy tomato pasta fills the kitchen with that tangy-sweet aroma that makes everyone hover near the stove. It’s been all over weeknight dinner boards latelyand for good reason.

This comforting bowl starts with canned tomatoes, a splash of cream, and fresh basil. Silky, bright, and shockingly fast. It’s like the tomato basil pasta you remember from Sunday lunches, but ready in under 30 minutes. And it uses pantry staplesno fancy ingredients, no fuss.

I started making this during the fall of 2018, when our evenings got too hectic for big prep. My wife took one bite and said, “This tastes like something Maggi would’ve made”her grandmother. The trick? Simmer the sauce just 10 minutes so it stays fresh and vibrant. I’ve photographed and tested hundreds of pasta recipes, but this one? It’s the keeper my readers come back for.

Thomas Baker

Creamy Tomato Pasta: Easy Recipe for Delicious Dinner

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring fresh baby spinach, mozzarella, and a rich tomato basil pasta sauce, it combines creamy textures with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a hearty, vegetarian pasta that’s both comforting and simple to prepare.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 447

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. dry penne pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 2 to 3 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Method

 

1. Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes; cook 7 to 8 minutes until onion is soft and tomatoes break down.
3. Add penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
5. Remove lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Cook while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy tomato basil pasta dinner.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in zip-top bags or containers for up to 2 months; defrost overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on stovetop over medium heat or microwave until steaming.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Pasta

• Quick and Easy: This whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
• Nostalgic Flavors: The creamy tomato base pairs with fresh basil and cheese to create familiar, comforting flavors that remind us of home and cherished family meals.
• No Extra Dishes: Made right in one skillet, this is as practical as it getsmeaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to savor your meal!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and tangy goodness in this pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is a pantry-friendly recipe made from simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious creamy tomato pasta:

• Pasta: Dry penne is perfect for holding onto the sauce, but rigatoni or fusilli work beautifully too. (8 oz. dry penne or similar short pasta)
• Aromatics: Olive oil, finely diced yellow onion, and fresh garlic cloves bring foundational flavor.
• Sauce Base: High-quality marinara sauce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a generous splash of heavy cream for irresistible richness. (1 cup marinara sauce, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup heavy cream)
• Greens: Baby spinach adds vibrant color and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the dish. (2–3 handfuls baby spinach)
• Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a luscious sauce, and grated Parmesan (optional) makes a fantastic garnish. (1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, plus optional Parmesan)
• Seasonings: Dried oregano, fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper keep the flavors vibrant and perfectly balanced.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have fresh cherry tomatoes, you can swap in a can of diced Roma tomatoes (drained) or even a can of crushed tomatoes for a slightly different texture!

Quick Ingredient Reference Table

Step-By-Step Guide to Creamy Tomato Pasta

Yields: 4 servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes

Let’s walk through the easiest way to create this dreamy pasta dish. You’ll honestly wonder why dinner isn’t always this simple and satisfying!

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the cherry tomatoes have softened and burst, releasing their sweet juices. Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer Pasta: Add your dry penne pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce, 1.5 cups of water or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Cream It Up: Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring gently until the spinach has wilted completely, and the cheese is beautifully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamythis usually takes about 2 minutes.
4. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and watch how quickly this comforting dish disappears!

Note: If the sauce thickens too much while simmering or after resting, simply splash in a little extra water, vegetable broth, or cream to loosen it to your preferred silky, pourable consistency. This helps revive the sauce beautifully!

How to Store and Reheat

This creamy tomato pasta is fantastic for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers! Here’s how to ensure it stays delicious:

• Fridge: Store any leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in zip-top freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop in a covered pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water, broth, or cream as needed to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed through.

Quick Storage Tips Table

Expert Insight: The Science Behind Creamy Tomato Pasta

Creamy tomato pasta achieves its signature richness by balancing the natural acidity of tomatoes with dairy or plant-based creams. This combination works to smooth out and mellow the flavors, enhancing the overall texture. Properly emulsifying the sauceensuring the fat and water-based elements combine seamlesslyis key to a velvety consistency, making each bite both comforting and satisfying without overwhelming the palate. It’s the perfect dance of tang and richness!

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The Journey to Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta

After several attempts that left my kitchen smelling like a full-blown tomato garden – sometimes a little too acidic, other times just not quite right – I finally nailed this creamy tomato pasta. It was a slow dance of balancing acidity with richness, and a few valuable lessons in timing, like when to add the cream to prevent curdling or ensuring the pasta absorbed just the right amount of liquid, helped me create a sauce that’s truly smooth, comforting, and just right for weeknight family dinners. It’s those little tweaks that make all the difference, transforming a simple dish into something truly special!

FAQs ( Creamy Tomato Pasta
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Conclusion

This creamy tomato pasta truly comes together in just about 30 minutes, delivering a luscious, silky sauce that lovingly hugs every bite of penne. It’s effortlessly simple to prepare but feels like a warm hug from your kitchenmaking it a perfect go-to for busy nights when you crave comfort with ease. You’ll especially love how those fresh basil leaves brighten the creamy, tangy sauce every single time.

To switch things up, try stirring in some cooked shrimp for added protein or swapping mozzarella for a sprinkle of tangy feta. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge and reheat wonderfully with just a splash of extra water or cream to revive that silky texturetrust me, it’s a trick I picked up from countless dinner tests! And for an extra boost of greens, feel free to toss in baby spinach or kale directly into the skillet during the final steps.

Got a favorite twist or a heartwarming family story connected to a pasta dish like this? I’d absolutely love to see your photos or hear how you make it your own in the comments below. Share this comforting recipe with a friend who needs a little extra coziness in their week, and make this incredibly satisfying dish a beloved part of your family’s kitchen rhythmI guarantee it’ll become a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!