What is creamy tomato pasta called?

Creamy tomato pasta is often called pasta alla rosa in Italian, which literally means “pink pasta.” The pinkish hue comes from mixing tomato sauce with cream, creating a silky and balanced sauce that’s both tangy and rich.

What cream do you add to tomato pasta?

Heavy cream is the most common choice because it creates the richest and creamiest sauce without curdling. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

What does adding cream to tomato sauce do?

Cream balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce smoother and less sharp. It also thickens the sauce and gives it a velvety texture, turning a basic tomato sauce into a restaurant-style dish.

How to make creamy tomato pasta sauce without cream?

You can swap the heavy cream with alternatives like cashew cream, coconut milk, or blended silken tofu. Even a bit of whole milk mixed with butter can mimic creaminess while keeping the dish lighter.

How do you add cream to tomato sauce without curdling it?

Always lower the heat before adding cream and stir it in slowly. High heat can cause cream to split. Adding cream after the tomato sauce has simmered helps keep it smooth and stable.

Will heavy cream make my sauce thicker?

Yes, heavy cream naturally thickens the sauce as it reduces during simmering. For an even thicker sauce, let it cook a few minutes longer or add a little extra Parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 pound); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Description

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and delicious meal made from scratch with a cream and tomato based sauce that is rich and silky smooth. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients that are easy to find.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 pound)
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until bubbly hot, about 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir and bring it to a simmer, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until thickened to a desired consistency, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add in the cooked pasta and toss well to coat evenly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

How to store: Transfer any leftover tomato pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.

How to reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through, or in a skillet on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened in the fridge.

How to freeze: It’s best to freeze the creamy tomato sauce separately from the pasta, since pasta tends to get mushy once frozen and reheated. Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian