Creamy Tomato Pasta with Basil and Parmesan

This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe comes together in about 20 minutes using everyday ingredients. Tender pasta is coated in a silky tomato cream sauce that tastes decadent, but uses just a modest amount of cream so it feels lighter than many restaurant-style versions.

The Best Creamy Tomato Sauce for Pasta

A pasta dish lives or dies by its sauce, and this creamy tomato sauce is one we turn to again and again. It’s quick to prepare, requires no fancy ingredients, and delivers a rich, restaurant-worthy flavor. Because it balances tomato, broth, and cream, it feels indulgent without being overly heavy—perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who wants a satisfying meal without a long list of steps.

• Ready in roughly 20 minutes—minimal prep and easy clean-up.
• Simple pantry ingredients make it easy to shop for and prepare.
• Comforting yet lighter thanks to broth that stretches the cream and builds flavor.

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients & Common Substitutions

Below are notes on the main ingredients and easy swaps to adapt the recipe to your pantry or dietary needs.

• Pasta: Choose shapes with ridges or tunnels—penne, rigatoni, rotini, or cavatappi are ideal because they hold the sauce well.
• Tomato sauce + tomato paste: Tomato sauce provides body while a small amount of paste deepens the flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth stretches the sauce and adds savory depth so you can use less cream without sacrificing richness.
• Cream: A little cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture; half-and-half can work if you prefer a slightly lighter result.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens the sauce—avoid pre-roasted or powdered garlic for best flavor.
• Butter or olive oil: Butter adds richness; use olive oil if you prefer.
• Herbs and cheese: Italian seasoning, fresh basil or parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan finish the dish beautifully.

How To Make Creamy Tomato Pasta

This recipe is straightforward and fast. The most time-consuming part is boiling the water for the pasta.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavors and begin thickening the sauce.
4. Lower the heat to medium, add the cream, and simmer 2–3 more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with generous Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tip: If timing allows, transfer pasta directly from the pot to the sauce with a slotted spoon so some starchy cooking water comes along. That starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Does cream curdle in tomato sauce?

Because tomatoes are acidic, cream can separate if added when temperatures differ too much. To reduce the risk of curdling, let cream sit at room temperature while you prepare the sauce, add it over medium or lower heat, and avoid boiling hard after the cream is in the pan.

How to fix curdled cream in tomato sauce

If the sauce breaks, whisking in a splash of water or broth—about 1/4 cup—while heating gently often brings the sauce back together. Whisk continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy again.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
• Add a handful or two of baby spinach, arugula, or kale after adding the cream; the greens will wilt into the sauce.
• Sauté onions or mushrooms in the butter before adding garlic for extra flavor. Shallots work well too.
• Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked meatballs, or sautéed shrimp for added protein.
• Swap or add fresh herbs—basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary all enhance the sauce.
• For a little heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta makes a comforting family dinner when paired with roasted garlic green beans, broccolini, or a mixed green salad. Bread like garlic knots or crusty bread rounds out the meal. It also works as a side to roasted or grilled chicken or pork chops.

Storage & Reheating

The sauce stores and reheats well if warmed gently. Leftovers will keep 3–4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.

Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta

Tender pasta tossed in a silky tomato cream sauce—satisfying, simple, and ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, rotini, or cavatappi)
• 2 Tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup cream (or half-and-half)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if desired.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir smooth and simmer 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Time & Servings

Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 15 minutes • Total time: 20 minutes • Serves: 4

Nutrition Estimate

Per serving (estimate): Calories 346; Carbohydrates 50 g; Protein 10 g; Fat 12 g; Saturated Fat 7 g; Sodium 695 mg; Fiber 4 g; Sugar 7 g.

If you try this Creamy Tomato Pasta, leave a comment and rating so others can benefit from your experience. I enjoy hearing how recipes turn out in your kitchen.