Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta
A timeless Italian dish featuring al dente pasta coated in a rich tomato-cream sauce, finished with fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil (add 2 tsp salt), then add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain while reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic turns golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup heavy cream, then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until creamy and fully coated.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped basil, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Creamy Tomato Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
