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Are you craving a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together fast? The 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta combines classic Italian flavors with modern convenience, delivering silky sauce, cheesy goodness, and fresh basil in every bite. It’s the perfect choice for easy weeknight dinners, healthy family meals, and anyone seeking a quick, budget-friendly supper.
Table of Contents
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting pasta dish. All ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and easy to find:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne | 1 pound |
| Kosher salt | 1 ½ teaspoons + for pasta water |
| Salted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Chopped onion | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic cloves, chopped | 4 large |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed tomatoes (canned, 14.5 oz) | 1 can |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¾ cup + extra for serving |
| Fresh basil, thinly sliced | ½ cup + extra for serving |
| Fresh mozzarella, torn | 1 pound |
Affiliate equipment you’ll love for this recipe:
- Large pot: pots
- Frying pan: frying pans
- Chef’s knife: chef’s knives
- Cutting board: cutting board
- Measuring cups: measuring cups and spoons set
- Electric mixer: electric mixer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of water to a boil. Season generously with kosher salt. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. - Reserve Pasta Water & Drain
Scoop out 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid and set aside. Drain penne without rinsing. - Sauté Onion & Garlic
In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter. Once foamy, add onions and a sprinkle of salt; sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in chopped garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Add Tomato Base
Blend in tomato paste and sauté 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes. - Make It Creamy
Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and sliced basil. Stir well until combined and smooth. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return penne to the pot, tossing with sauce. Add ¾ cup of reserved pasta water to make it extra silky. - Add Cheese and Finish
Stir in torn mozzarella. Serve hot in big bowls, topping with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Equipment tip: Use a food processor if you want onions super fine, and a garlic press for easy prep.
Helpful Tips
- For even faster prep, chop the onion and garlic ahead.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference.
- Swap penne for any short pasta shape, like rigatoni or ziti.
- Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of cream.
Recommended utensils for serving and prep: mixing bowls, kitchen utensils, and a weight kitchen scale for accuracy.
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and refrigerate. Cook pasta just before serving for optimal texture.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and mild mozzarella make it a kid favorite. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for picky eaters.
Can I make this dairy free?
Try substituting vegan butter, dairy-free cream, and a plant-based mozzarella for a creamy sauce minus the dairy.
What pasta shapes work well?
Any short pasta like rotini, bowties, or shells absorbs sauce beautifully.
How can I add protein?
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas along with the penne.
Equipment List With Links
- pots
- frying pans
- chef’s knives
- cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons set
- electric mixer
- food processor
- mixing bowls
- garlic press
- weight kitchen
Easy 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta : Family Friendly, Healthy, Delicious!
A rich and creamy tomato pasta made in 20 minutes, featuring Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a satisfying family dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pound penne
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt plus more for pasta water
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 ½ cups chopped onion
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 14.5 ounces can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil plus more for serving
1 pound fresh mozzarella, torn into bite sized pieces
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with kosher salt and add pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, save 1 cup pasta liquid.
2. In the same pot over medium heat, melt the butter. When foamy, add onion and a sprinkle of salt, sauté 3-4 min until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic, sauté 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste, sauté 1 minute.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, remaining kosher salt, and red pepper flakes; simmer 5 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil; stir until smooth.
7. Return penne to the pot, toss to coat. Add about ¾ cup reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
8. Stir in fresh mozzarella.
9. Serve with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
Reduce red pepper for mild flavor.
Swap penne for any short pasta.
Serve immediately for best texture.
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