There’s something magical about cream swirling into a pan of bubbling tomatoes on a Tuesday night. This creamy tomato pasta has become the dinner hero we all needed, showing up on tables everywhere because it tastes like comfort in a bowl.
Think rich tomato sauce meets silky cream in perfect harmony. Just a handful of pantry staplescanned tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh basil if you’ve got it. The sauce comes together in one pan while your pasta cooks, no fancy techniques required. It’s like that classic tomato basil pasta from your favorite Italian spot, but ready in twenty minutes flat.
Started making this back in 2014 when my girls were tiny and dinnertime felt impossible. The first batch disappeared so fast I thought I’d measured wrong. Learned to save some pasta waterthat starchy liquid makes everything silky smooth when you toss it all together. My readers have been making this one for years now, and it never gets old.
PrintCreamy Tomato Pasta: Easy Recipe for Delicious Dinner
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. This Tomato Basil Pasta features a creamy sauce with fresh spinach and mozzarella, making it a crowd favorite with simple Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Entree, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 each kosher salt and 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
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat.
- Add onion and tomatoes and cook 7 to 8 minutes until the onion is soft and tomatoes are broken down.
- Add pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove lid and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and cheese.
- Stir continuously until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze pasta in zip-top bags or freezable containers for up to 2 months
- Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating
- Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat in a covered pot stirring occasionally until heated through or microwave individual portions until steaming
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5cups
- Calories: 447kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
This creamy tomato pasta delivers ultimate comfort with minimal effort. In just one pan and thirty minutes, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-simmering all day.
- Everything cooks together: The pasta absorbs all those tomato and herb flavors as it cooks right in the sauce
- Weeknight friendly: No boiling water separately, no multiple pots to wash
- Crowd pleaser: Even picky eaters dig in when there’s melty mozzarella involved
The cherry tomatoes burst with sweet, jammy flavor, making every bite a delight. This dish captures the essence of your favorite restaurant-style tomato basil pasta, elevated with the subtle addition of fresh spinach and without any fuss.
Your Ingredient Heroes
Most of these live in your pantry already, which is exactly how weeknight dinners should work. The fresh spinach wilts down to nothing, so don’t worry about those generous handfuls.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Easy Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | Break down into sweet, chunky sauce | Grape tomatoes or diced canned |
| Heavy cream | Creates that silky, restaurant-style finish | Half-and-half (slightly thinner) |
| Fresh basil | Brightens everything at the end | Dried basil (use 1 Tbsp) |
| Baby spinach | Adds color and nutrition without changing flavor | Chopped kale or arugula |
Pro tip: Get the mozzarella already shredded to save time, but freshly grated melts even better if you’ve got an extra minute.
How the Magic Happens
The magic lies in building layers of flavor, starting with the cherry tomatoes. As they cook, they transform into a sweet, concentrated base that elevates the entire dish.
- Step 1: Onions and tomatoes cook down until soft and sweet
- Step 2: Everything else goes in at once – pasta, sauce, seasonings
- Step 3: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those flavors
- Step 4: Cream and cheese finish it off into pure comfort
Watch for that moment when the pasta is just al dente – it’ll finish cooking when you stir in the cream. The spinach wilts in about thirty seconds, and the mozzarella melts into creamy perfection.
When Things Go Sideways
Even the easiest recipes have their moments. Here’s how to rescue this creamy tomato pasta when life happens.
- Pasta looks dry: Add hot water a splash at a time until it loosens up
- Sauce seems thin: Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes
- Cheese gets clumpy: Turn off heat and stir gently – high heat makes cheese seize up
Note: If your tomatoes aren’t super ripe, add a pinch of sugar to help them along. Sometimes store-bought tomatoes need a little encouragement to get jammy and sweet.
Make It Your Own
Consider this recipe a versatile canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand. The foundational flavors remain consistent, while the add-ins can adapt to your preferences or what needs to be used up.
| Feeling Like | Add This | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| More protein | Cooked chicken, Italian sausage | Stir in with the cream |
| Extra vegetables | Zucchini, bell peppers | Cook with onions at the start |
| Different herbs | Fresh thyme, oregano | With the basil at the end |
| Spicy kick | Red pepper flakes, hot sauce | With the seasonings |
The mozzarella can be swapped for any melty cheese you love – fontina, goat cheese, or even cream cheese work beautifully.
Serving and Storing
This feeds four generous appetites, but it reheats like a dream if you’ve got leftovers. The flavors actually get even better the next day.
- Fresh from the pan: Serve with crusty bread and extra Parmesan
- Storing: Keep in the fridge up to five days in a sealed container
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up on the stove
Pro tip: Save some pasta cooking liquid if you’re planning leftovers – it helps bring everything back together when reheating. Just a tablespoon or two works magic.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Creamy Tomato Pasta
Creamy tomato pasta strikes a perfect balance between acidity and richness, creating a comforting yet vibrant dish. Using fresh tomatoes and a touch of cream helps intensify flavors while maintaining a smooth, velvety texture that makes each bite satisfying without feeling heavy.
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The Long Road to the Creamy Tomato Pasta I Finally Love
This creamy tomato pasta recipe didn’t come together overnight. After several attemptssometimes too rich, other times too thinI learned to balance flavors and texture just right. What you’re getting today is the result of many cozy dinners and picky tastes, finally a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from my family kitchen.
FAQs (Creamy Tomato Pasta)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid overcooking on reheating to keep the pasta texture firm and sauce smooth.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pan. These shapes trap the creamy tomato sauce perfectly, giving each bite a balanced flavor and texture that complements this meal.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapenos while sautéing the garlic and onions. Adjust gradually to your heat preference. This small tweak gives the tomato basil pasta a nice kick without overpowering its creamy flavors.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely, substitute heavy cream or milk with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version. These options keep the sauce rich and creamy with a slightly different but pleasant flavor profile that works well in this dish.
What are good side dishes to serve with it?
A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables are perfect companions to this dish. They add crisp texture and balance the creaminess, making the meal more wholesome and satisfying.
This creamy tomato pasta comes together in just thirty minutes, but tastes like it’s been simmering with love all day. You’ll love how the cherry tomatoes break down into jammy sweetness while the cream creates that silky restaurant-quality sauce. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before you even call for dinner.
Try swapping the mozzarella for goat cheese next time it adds this lovely tang that reminds me of my grandmother’s summer garden meals. A splash of white wine with the tomatoes makes it extra special for company, and leftovers actually taste even better the next day. Keep some pasta water handy when reheating; it brings everything back to creamy perfection.
I’d love to see how this turns out in your kitchen tag me if you share a photo! Did you grow up with a go-to pasta that made everything feel better? This recipe has that same magic for my family now. Save it for those nights when you need something comforting that doesn’t require much fuss, but delivers all the warmth.
