Creamy Tomato Pasta is the dish you’ll want any day of the year! Made with penne pasta, readily available canned tomatoes, a generous cup of cream, herbaceous basil, sharp parmesan and just a few other simple staples.
You may know this as “pink sauce pasta.” No matter, this pink-hued creamy tomato pasta is a classic, timeless recipe for good reason.
It’s a hearty, meatless, Italian-inspired entrée that ensures a lunch or dinner people of all ages can agree on. It’s so easy to prepare and comes together quickly.
You’ll also find it’s adaptable to include other various fillers like vegetables (most notably spinach), or a protein such as cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
It’s wonderful as is, though — humbly simple yet bursting with warm, inviting flavors, and of course that creamy richness that keeps you coming back. Cream and tomatoes were a match meant to be.
Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe Ingredients
Penne pasta: You can use mini or regular varieties. Other types of pasta that hold sauce well also work.
Salt and pepper: Season the pasta water with salt when boiling, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Canned crushed tomatoes: Use canned Roma tomatoes or San Marzano varieties for the best sauce. Other types of tomatoes likely won’t have as much flavor and natural sweetness.
Butter: Used for sautéing and adds richness to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil may be used in its place.
Yellow onion: Essential to help build up the base flavor of the sauce.
Garlic: Adds authentic Italian flavor.
Tomato paste: Increases concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to taste.
Heavy cream: Use heavy cream rather than whipping cream, light cream, or half-and-half for the richest, creamiest sauce.
Parmesan: For best results, use Parmigiano Reggiano. Avoid shelf-stable powdered parmesan — it doesn’t taste like real parmesan and contains additives that prevent it from melting well.
Fresh basil: Another key ingredient for authentic Italian flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta
Boil pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water to al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta.
Make the pink sauce: Meanwhile, melt butter in a 12-inch sauté pan or pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute.
Simmer with tomatoes: Stir in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add cream and finish: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil, then toss with the cooked penne. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Finish with freshly grated parmesan before serving.
This creamy tomato pasta is a satisfying weeknight staple that comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers rich, comforting flavor every time.
