Recipe Finder blog
Comfort Pasta: quick creamy tomato spaghetti
Fast, creamy tomato pasta in 15 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This is a fast, comforting spaghetti recipe with a creamy tomato sauce. It suits weeknight dinners or when you want something satisfying without long prep.
- creamy tomato pasta
- easy weeknight pasta
- parmesan pasta sauce
- garlic tomato sauce
- leftover spaghetti ideas
- simple pasta dinner
- toasted breadcrumb topping
- fresh basil pasta
Key takeaways
15-minute cook time for a comforting dish
creamy tomato sauce that coats the pasta
adjustable with optional toppings like breadcrumbs or basil
Recipe guide
This is a fast, comforting spaghetti recipe with a creamy tomato sauce. It suits weeknight dinners or when you want something satisfying without long prep.
A comforting pasta ready in minutes, with a glossy tomato cream sauce.
- 15-minute cook time for a comforting dish
- creamy tomato sauce that coats the pasta
- adjustable with optional toppings like breadcrumbs or basil
1) Cook pasta
Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 60 ml pasta water, then drain.
2) Make the sauce
Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, add chopped tomatoes and simmer 3–4 minutes. Add cream, butter, and half the Parmesan; simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
3) Combine and serve
Toss pasta with sauce, adding reserved water as needed to coat. Stir in remaining Parmesan. Serve with optional toasted breadcrumbs and basil.
Ingredients
- 100 g dried spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 120 g canned chopped tomatoes
- 30 ml heavy cream
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp butter
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp toasted breadcrumbs (optional)
- fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti, cooking until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Reserve about 60 ml (1/4 cup) pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Meanwhile heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chopped tomatoes, stir, and simmer 3–4 minutes to warm and slightly reduce.
- Stir in heavy cream, butter, and half the Parmesan; simmer 1–2 minutes until sauce is glossy.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta.
- Remove from heat and stir in remaining Parmesan.
- Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh basil if using.
FAQs
How do I cook the pasta for this dish?
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.
How is the sauce achieved?
Stir in tomato, cream, and Parmesan to create a glossy sauce, then loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
Can I customize toppings?
Top with toasted breadcrumbs and basil if you like for extra texture and freshness.