Creamy Tomato Pasta (20-Minute Family Favorite)

Close-up of Creamy Tomato Pasta showing creamy sauce-coated rigatoni with blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan on top.

Creamy Tomato Pasta (20-Minute Family Favorite)

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a cozy, family-favorite recipe made with cherry tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal that my daughter Olivia and I love to make together after a busy day.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keyword: 20-minute dinner, Creamy Tomato Pasta, easy pasta recipe, family dinner, weeknight meals

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Calories: 520kcal

Cost: $12

Equipment

1 Large pot For boiling pasta; add a little salt for flavor.
1 Large Skillet Perfect for blending sauce and pasta together.
1 Wooden spoon My favorite tool for stirring without scratching the pan.
1 Measuring cup Essential for reserving pasta water.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 ounces pasta(penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) Choose your favorite shape, Olivia loves rigatoni!
2 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and prevents sticking.
3 cloves garlic, minced The heart of the sauce aroma.
1 pint cherry tomatoes Fresh and juicy, they burst beautifully.
0.5 teaspoon salt To balance flavors.
0.25 teaspoon black pepper Adds subtle warmth.
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for a gentle kick.

For the Creamy Sauce

1 cup heavy cream For that luxuriously creamy texture.
0.5 cup reserved pasta water Helps the sauce cling perfectly.
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated Adds depth and saltiness.
2 tablespoons tomato paste For a concentrated tomato flavor.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A cozy, aromatic blend.
2 cups fresh spinach Optional, but I always sneak in the greens.
1 handful fresh basil leaves For garnish and a burst of freshness.

Instructions

In a large [skillet], heat [olive oil] over medium heat. Add the [cherry tomatoes] and cook until they start to blister and release their juices. Stir in the [garlic] and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add [tomato paste], [salt], [pepper], [red pepper flakes], and [Italian seasoning]. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat and pour in the [heavy cream]. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
If using, stir in [fresh spinach] until it wilts. Garnish with [fresh basil] and an extra sprinkle of [Parmesan] before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Want extra flavor? Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to revive that creamy texture.
For a fun twist, try turning this into a baked pasta: top with mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Most importantly, invite your little helper into the kitchen, because memories are the secret ingredient. ❤️

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