This creamy tomato pasta is your go-to recipe when you need a quick, comforting dinner. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cream, it’s rich, flavorful, and ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy.
If you love this dish but only have canned tomatoes, try my tomato mascarpone pasta or this easy 30-minute rosé pasta sauce. For more one-pot favorites, check out my creamy chicken and bacon pasta or sun-dried tomato spinach pasta.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – pantry staples like pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and onion.
- Quick & easy – dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Rich flavor – fresh basil and garlic bring the sauce to life.
- Creamy comfort – double cream gives it a velvety finish.
- Versatile – add proteins or veggies to make it your own.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spaghetti (or penne/fusilli) – the perfect base.
- Fresh tomatoes – juicy and vibrant.
- Olive oil – for sautéing and flavor.
- Onion & garlic – aromatic base for the sauce.
- Vegetable or chicken stock – adds depth.
- Double cream – for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Fresh basil – bright and fragrant.
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Sauté aromatics – Heat olive oil, then cook onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes – Add chopped tomatoes and let them caramelize slightly.
- Simmer pasta – Pour in stock, add pasta, and cook until al dente (about 12–15 minutes).
- Finish with cream – Stir in double cream and fresh basil, let it rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve – Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan, if desired.
📖 Variations
- Pasta swap – penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully.
- Tomato options – fresh, canned, or sun-dried.
- Cream alternatives – half-and-half, mascarpone, or coconut cream.
- Veggie boost – spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Add protein – grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
💡 Pro Tips
- Peel tomatoes for a smoother sauce (blanch, then ice bath).
- Caramelize onions slowly for extra sweetness.
- Crush garlic before mincing to release more flavor.
- Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
🍯 Storing & Reheating
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm in a skillet with a splash of stock or water until creamy again.
❓ FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes! They work great—just simmer a little longer for depth of flavor.
What proteins pair best?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or even crispy tofu.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap double cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
✨ Craving more pasta? Try my:
- Creamy Kale Pasta
- Easy Tuna Pasta Bake
- Halloumi Tomato Pasta
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
If you try this Creamy Tomato Pasta, leave a ⭐ star rating and comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Creamy Tomato Pasta
5
servings15
minutes25
minutesA quick and comforting weeknight dinner made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, cream, and basil—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
250 g (½ lb) uncooked spaghetti
500 g (1 lb) fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable stock (stock cube works too)
150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
½ bunch fresh basil
Directions
- Heat the oil: Warm olive oil in a high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant.
- Cook tomatoes: Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until slightly caramelized.
- Add pasta + stock: Pour in stock, add spaghetti, and submerge in liquid.
- Cook pasta: Simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Make it creamy: Stir in double cream and fresh basil. Let rest 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve: Dish up hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
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