Half-Creamy Tomato Pasta
A lighter take on classic creamy tomato pasta, using half the cream and half the cheese to create a balanced dish with bright tomato flavor and a satisfying finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, tomato sauce, tomato paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1.5 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried basil, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups tomato sauce and 1/2 cup tomato paste, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet and toss for 2 minutes until evenly coated, adding more reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Creamy Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Half-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 Half-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 Half-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 Half-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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
