This Cheesy Tomato Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting homemade dish made with simple ingredients and a fresh whole-tomato base. Whole ripe tomatoes are cooked until soft with onions and garlic, then gently mashed right in the skillet to form a vibrant, rustic tomato sauce.
Blended with velvety cooking cream, melted mozzarella, Italian herbs, and fresh parsley, this effortless 20-minute pasta delivers authentic Italian comfort food in every bite!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2–3 portions
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 250g (8.8 oz) pasta of choice (Penne, Rigatoni, or Farfalle)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Cheesy Tomato Sauce:
- 4–5 medium whole ripe tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cooking cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (tender but slightly firm). Reserve ¼ cup of starchy pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Fresh Tomato Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the whole tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cover with a lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften completely and burst.
3. Mash and Season the Sauce
Remove the lid and use a wooden spoon or potato masher to crush and mash the tomatoes, onions, and garlic directly in the pan into a chunky tomato sauce. Season with paprika, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Add Cheese and Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir gently until it melts into the hot tomato sauce. Pour in the heavy cooking cream and mix thoroughly until a smooth, velvety pink sauce forms.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy cream sauce. (If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water). Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy cooking water is secret to loosening the cream sauce so it clings smoothly to the pasta without separating.
- Keep Heat Low for Dairy: Lower the heat before stirring in the cream and mozzarella to prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or clumping.
- Mash for Texture: Don’t blend the tomatoes smooth—leaving small crushed tomato chunks gives the sauce a rustic, authentic trattoria feel.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken strips, cooked shrimp, or sautéed ground beef for a protein-packed meal.
- Veggie Mix-ins: Stir in fresh baby spinach, sliced button mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes right before adding the cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chili flakes into the garlic oil for a creamy arrabbiata flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Cheesy Tomato Pasta hot alongside crispy garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables!
