Creamy Tomato Pasta with Garlic & Herbs

There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of creamy tomato pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, perfect for a cozy evening at home or a quiet dinner after a long day. The rich, velvety sauce, infused with garlic and fresh herbs, pairs perfectly with tender pasta for a meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. This recipe was inspired by classic Italian flavors passed down through generations, with a modern twist that keeps it creamy and vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this creamy tomato pasta promises satisfaction in every bite. It’s a dish that’s both approachable for beginner cooks and satisfying for seasoned food lovers, making it an ideal weeknight favorite or a dish to impress when entertaining.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work best)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)

• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option

• ½ cup grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan alternative

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Add Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• For added depth of flavor, roast the garlic beforehand or sauté it in a bit of butter along with the olive oil.

• This recipe is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a more hearty dish.

• To make it lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato Pasta

1. Choosing the Right Pasta: While penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are excellent choices, don’t be afraid to experiment. Long, thin noodles like linguine or fettuccine catch the creamy sauce beautifully, while shapes like rigatoni or farfalle allow the sauce to cling to every nook and cranny.

2. Balancing Acidity: Tomatoes can sometimes taste a bit sharp. A pinch of sugar added to the sauce can balance the acidity without making the pasta overly sweet.

3. Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Dried herbs are convenient and give the sauce a consistent flavor, but adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end keeps the dish vibrant and aromatic.

4. Creaminess Options: Heavy cream gives the richest flavor, but for a lighter or dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream works surprisingly well.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this creamy tomato pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: garlic and onion provide a savory base, herbs bring aromatic depth, and the cream creates a luscious texture that coats the pasta beautifully. By simmering the sauce slowly, the flavors have time to meld, resulting in a dish that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort required.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. It works as a vegetarian main course, a side dish for grilled vegetables, or even as a base for adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives. Its versatility makes it a go-to recipe for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a complete meal, consider pairing this creamy tomato pasta with:

• Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce

• A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for freshness

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This creamy tomato pasta is perfect for meal prep or planning ahead. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low to medium heat. To maintain the creamy texture, add a splash of water, milk, or cream as it warms. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky. Preparing the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully, making the dish even more flavorful than when cooked fresh. Once the sauce is reheated, simply toss it with freshly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did.

2. Can I freeze this pasta?

Absolutely! The tomato cream sauce freezes exceptionally well, making this recipe ideal for batch cooking. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months without losing flavor. When ready to enjoy, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stove. For best results, cook fresh pasta when serving and combine it with the thawed sauce. This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy, which can happen if pre-cooked pasta is frozen and reheated. Freezing the sauce separately gives you the convenience of a ready-to-go weeknight dinner anytime.

3. How can I make this dish vegan?

This creamy tomato pasta can easily be adapted to a vegan diet. Simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative. To maintain the cheesy flavor, use a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. These adjustments allow the sauce to remain rich, smooth, and indulgent, while keeping the recipe completely plant-based. Additionally, this version pairs perfectly with pasta made from durum wheat, chickpeas, or lentils, giving you both protein and texture without using animal products. Even with these substitutions, the pasta still delivers the same comforting, creamy taste that makes it so irresistible.

4. Can I add vegetables or protein?

Yes! This recipe is highly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions and enhance both flavor and nutrition. If you’d like to include protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based meat alternatives blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Simply cook the protein separately and stir it in near the end to heat through without overcooking. Adding vegetables or protein transforms this pasta from a simple comfort meal into a complete, satisfying dinner that’s colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This creamy tomato pasta with garlic and herbs is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. With a rich, velvety sauce and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that warms the heart as much as it satisfies the taste buds. Perfect for a quiet night in, a family dinner, or impressing guests without stress, this recipe is a versatile staple in any kitchen.

The combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy tomato sauce creates a timeless classic that’s easy to prepare yet always impressive. Its adaptability allows for countless variations, ensuring you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored. Give this recipe a try, and discover why creamy tomato pasta has earned its place as a beloved comfort food around the world.

Creamy Tomato Pasta with Garlic & Herbs

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy tomato pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy evenings or casual dinners. Bursting with garlic, aromatic herbs, and a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with vegetables or protein. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this pasta is easy to make, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option

• ½ cup grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan alternative

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

• Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

• Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.

• Mix in grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• For added depth, roast garlic before adding it to the sauce.

• Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Substitute half the cream with vegetable broth for a lighter version.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Michelle Davis