Craving a classic, comforting meal that’s both simple and satisfying? Look no further than this incredible easy creamy red sauce pasta. This family-friendly recipe brings together rich tomato flavors with a touch of creamy indulgence, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in just 25 minutes, bursting with a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Red Sauce Pasta
- Quick Preparation: Get dinner ready in just 25 minutes, from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Rich & Smooth Sauce: Enjoy a velvety tomato cream sauce that’s incredibly flavorful.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to different dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Perfectly Comforting: Delivers a cozy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
- Versatile: Works beautifully with various pasta shapes, from penne to spaghetti.
Ingredients
To whip up one of the best red sauce pasta recipes, you only need a handful of accessible ingredients. Gather these simple items, and you’re well on your way to a delightful meal:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (like penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce (or passata)
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, to taste)
Notes & Substitutions
You can use almost any pasta shape with this creamy red sauce. Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli hold the sauce wonderfully, while spaghetti or linguine offer a classic experience. If you’re in the UK, passata is a great substitute for tomato sauce; it’s essentially puréed, strained tomatoes. Heavy cream is essential here for the silky texture; avoid low-fat dairy as it can curdle when heated. For the Italian seasoning, feel free to use individual dried herbs like oregano and basil if you don’t have a blend. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh finish.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking this creamy pasta effortless.
- A large pot is essential for boiling your pasta properly.
- Use a large skillet or Dutch oven for simmering the rich sauce.
- A garlic press or sharp knife simplifies mincing fresh garlic.
- A whisk or wooden spoon helps combine and stir your ingredients smoothly.
- Keep measuring cups and spoons handy for precise ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful red sauce pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.
- Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and generously salt it. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This means it should be firm to the bite.
- Start the sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Build the sauce base: Stir in the two tablespoons of tomato paste into the skillet with the garlic. Cook for another minute, pressing the paste into the butter, to deepen its flavor. This step is crucial for developing a rich, concentrated tomato base.
- Combine liquids and seasoning: Pour in the 14-ounce can of tomato sauce and the 3/4 cup of heavy cream. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. You should see small, gentle bubbles around the edges. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season the sauce: Season the simmering sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust as needed. If the sauce tastes a little too acidic or tangy, stir in a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy red sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the creamy red sauce pasta to serving bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Acidity Balance: If your sauce tastes too tart from the tomatoes, simply stir in a pinch of granulated sugar. This helps to mellow out the acidity and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your pasta to al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and won’t hold up well in the sauce. It also continues to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- Pasta Water’s Magic: Don’t discard all your pasta water! Discover more about how starchy pasta water aids in emulsifying sauces, making them incredibly smooth and ensuring they cling beautifully to the pasta.
- Garlic Sauté Caution: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, usually about a minute, before adding other liquids.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce. If it becomes too thick, use some reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to thin it out to your liking.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality canned tomato sauce can make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of your red sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile creamy red sauce pasta is truly a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dish with a crisp fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a more complete meal, pair it with some roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Storage Instructions
Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to prepare the sauce in advance, the red sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to restore creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Red Sauce Pasta: For those who love a bit of heat, add a generous pinch of chili flakes along with the garlic and tomato paste.
- Vegetarian Additions: Enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or diced bell peppers. Add them with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked ground sausage, meatballs, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Cheese Variations: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess, or top with fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta for different textures and flavors.
Nutrition
This estimate is for one serving of creamy red sauce pasta. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands, portion sizes, and optional additions.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 15-20g |
| Cholesterol | 80-100mg |
| Sodium | 500-700mg |
| Total Carbs | 45-55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
| Total Sugars | 5-8g |
| Protein | 15-20g |
This dish provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy and some protein.
FAQ
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead?
Yes, you can. For a smoother sauce, you might want to blend them briefly with an immersion blender or food processor before adding them to the skillet.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Always add cold or room temperature cream to a sauce that is not at a rapid boil. Incorporate it slowly, stirring constantly, and then gently simmer the sauce without boiling it vigorously. Learn more about preventing cream from curdling in hot sauces to ensure a smooth, velvety finish.
Can this sauce be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short, tubular shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi are excellent as they capture the creamy sauce inside. Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine also works wonderfully.
How long does homemade red sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade creamy red sauce will typically last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
Conclusion
This easy creamy red sauce pasta truly delivers on taste and simplicity. It transforms basic ingredients into a wonderfully rich and comforting meal that your whole family will love. Perfect for busy parents and beginners alike, this recipe proves that delicious homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give one of these fantastic red sauce pasta recipes a try tonight! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so please share your experience and rate the recipe below!