Speedy Creamy Tomato Pasta (Printable Version)
Creamy, rich tomato pasta with penne—quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight comfort food.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
03 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Boil penne pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
03 - Add cream cheese to the tomato base. Stir continuously until fully melted and sauce appears smooth.
04 - Transfer drained pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in sauce. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese.
05 - Serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick to make perfect for hectic schedules
- Creamy and tangy with pantry staple ingredients
- Simple method requires just one pot and one saucepan
- Always a hit with kids and adults
- Customizable with veggies or herbs
02 -
- Great source of protein and calcium
- Super kid-friendly and easily adapted for picky eaters
- Makes wonderful leftovers for lunch
03 -
- Always salt your pasta water generously for the best-tasting noodles
- Do not rush melting the cream cheese Take time to stir until it is fully smooth so the sauce does not turn grainy
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a more intense flavor than store-bought pre-grated
- If you want a pop of color swirl in a spoonful of pesto before serving I picked up this trick after a summer trip to Liguria and it makes the pasta absolutely sing with freshness