15 Min Creamy Tomato Pasta

Veggie • 15 min • Comfort

A rich, silky, and perfectly balanced Creamy Tomato Pasta ready in just 15 minutes.
This recipe uses pantry ingredients and transforms them into a comforting, restaurant-style sauce with minimal effort — ideal for busy weeknights.

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Salt for boiling water

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream (or ½ cup evaporated milk)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Extra Parmesan
• Black pepper

• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Extra basil leaves
• A drizzle of olive oil

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté garlic and chili flakes

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and chili flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the tomato base

Add tomato passata, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to deepen.

4. Make it creamy

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and silky.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water.

5. Combine pasta and sauce

Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss well until coated and glossy.

6. Finish & serve

Top with basil, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Garlic press (optional)

• Make it lighter: Replace cream with evaporated milk or 2 tbsp cream cheese.
• Make it vegan: Use coconut milk + vegan Parmesan.
• Add protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
• Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas work beautifully.
• Spice it up: Add more chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste.

• Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container.
• Reheat: Add splash of water or milk to revive creaminess.
•  Freezer: Not recommended (cream may separate)

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Creamy, comforting, and satisfying
• Customizable and budget-friendly
• Perfect weeknight staple

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You may also enjoy our Low-Cost Chickpea Curry, try the 6-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta, or go for a 20 Min Spicy Korean Beef Bowl.