I pull this pan out on cozy weeknights when I want something that feels like a kitchen hug. The bright pop of tomatoes sizzling in olive oil, the soft sigh of chopped onion as it turns translucent, the way cream folds into tomato paste to make a glossy sauce, these are the little homey moments I live for. Delicious and Creamy Pasta rides that line between simple and indulgent, and I like to think of it as comfort food with a sunny twist.

If you’re curious about other ways to make weeknight pasta feel extra special, I sometimes take inspiration from recipes like this creamy Velveeta beef and rotini pasta, which leans into creamy textures and quick technique. Tonight’s dish is all about fast, forgiving steps and full, familiar flavors. You’ll notice how little adjustments a splash of pasta water, a sprinkle of basil transform simple ingredients into a bowl that tastes like home. Read on and I’ll walk you through everything from the tools you’ll need to serving ideas that make this pasta feel like a little celebration.

Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully unfussy, but having the right tools makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. A few well-chosen items keep your sauce silky and your pasta perfectly cooked.

Large pot for boiling pasta: roomy enough so pasta cooks evenly.
Large skillet (preferably nonstick or stainless steel): gives you space to sauté and finish the sauce.
Pasta scoop or tongs: for easy transfer and tossing.
Measuring cups and spoons: accuracy matters with cream and tomato paste.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: gentle on pans and good for scraping every bit of sauce.

A colander to drain while reserving cooking water and a fine grater for that fragrant Parmesan are also worth having nearby. These simple tools will help you turn pantry ingredients into something that tastes like it took a lot longer to make than it did.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious and Creamy Pasta

This is comfort food that doesn’t demand a lot of fuss. From the first bite you’ll notice the way creamy sauce clings to each noodle, wrapping you in richness while bright tomato notes balance the palate. The textures are part of the charm. Juicy halves of cherry tomato burst with sunlight, soft onions add depth, and diced paprika gives gentle crunch and color.

Emotionally, this dish feels like a cozy, familiar shoulder — the kind of bowl you bring to the table when the week has been long and you want something satisfying that still tastes fresh. It’s also practical. It comes together quickly, most ingredients are pantry-friendly, and the reserved pasta water creates a silky emulsion so you don’t need any fancy equipment.

A few reasons you’ll fall for it:

Comforting creaminess with fresh tomato brightness.
Quick enough for weeknights, pretty enough for company.
Flexible ingredient swaps make it forgiving and adaptable.

If you enjoy creamy, well-rounded pasta dinners, this recipe is one to keep in your regular rotation. For other creamy weeknight inspirations that balance ease and flavor, you might also like this creamy Velveeta beef stroganoff and penne pasta which similarly leans into comfort and speed.

Delicious and Creamy Pasta Ingredients

You’ll want to assemble everything before you start. The heart of the dish is a silky cream and tomato base studded with fresh bursts of cherry tomato and tender diced paprika. Use the exact fresh produce and dairy you trust.

You will need: 1 onion, finely chopped, Cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 paprika, diced, Oregano, to taste, Salt, to enhance flavors, 2 teaspoons of tomato paste, 2 dl heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 dl cooking water, Pasta of your choice, Fresh basil for topping

In addition to the items above, keep these pantry staples nearby: extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing, a clove of garlic if you like more aromatic depth, freshly ground black pepper, and a pat of butter if you want extra sheen. It’s a forgiving recipe, so small variations in quantities are fine — taste as you go and adjust oregano and salt to suit your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before you drain, ladle out and reserve 1 dl cooking water then drain the pasta in a colander. The reserved water will help marry the sauce and pasta.
While the pasta cooks, warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté, stirring, until it becomes soft and translucent and gives off a sweet aroma — about 4 to 6 minutes. You should see the edges just beginning to color.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the diced paprika to the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, until the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices and the pepper pieces lose their raw bite — about 5 minutes. Watch for a gleam of oil and tomato juice pooling in the pan.
Sprinkle in oregano and a pinch of salt, then stir in the 2 teaspoons of tomato paste. Let the tomato paste toast for a minute so it deepens in flavor and melds with the vegetables. You’ll notice the sauce turning a warm, slightly deeper red.
Pour in the 2 dl heavy cream and then stir in the reserved 1 dl cooking water. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce gently until it has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should feel silky, not heavy, and have a balanced tang from the tomato paste.
Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything together over low heat until every strand or shell is fully coated and glossy. If the sauce seems tight, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. This is the moment the pasta absorbs flavor and the textures come together.
Serve immediately, finishing each bowl with a generous grate of Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil. The cheese melts into the warm sauce and the basil lifts the whole dish with bright, herbaceous notes.

Fun Variations You Can Try

Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, seared shrimp, or slices of browned sausage for a heartier main dish.
Make it vegetarian-friendly: Keep it as written but toss in a handful of baby spinach during the last minute of tossing so it wilts into the sauce.
Go dairy-free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat-based cooking cream and use a nutritional yeast sprinkle for that umami, cheesy note.
Swap the paprika: If you prefer a smoky kick, use smoked paprika instead of raw diced paprika, or roast the paprika pieces first for added depth.
Boost the umami: Add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso dissolved in a little hot water to deepen the sauce without overpowering the tomatoes.
Add texture: Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs (pan-toasted in butter) make a lovely crunchy finish when sprinkled just before serving.

These swaps keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to dietary needs, what’s in the fridge, or your mood that night.

How I Love to Serve It

When I bring this bowl to the table, I imagine a cozy, low-key supper with warm light and good conversation. The plating is simple: twirl the pasta into a shallow bowl so the sauce pools artfully around it, lay a few halved tomatoes on top for color, then grate a generous mound of Parmesan. A few basil leaves arranged casually add an inviting green contrast.

Sides that pair beautifully:

A crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness.
Thick slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for mopping up every last glossy bite.
Roasted asparagus or a pan of quick sautéed greens for a fresh, bitter edge.

I like serving this with a small carafe of chilled sparkling water and a bowl of olives or marinated artichokes for nibbling. It’s friendly enough for family dinners and pretty enough for a relaxed dinner party. The overall vibe is warm and unpretentious — food that encourages you to slow down, savor, and share.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

Reserve the pasta water: That starchy liquid is magic for smoothing and emulsifying the sauce. Always scoop out the 1 dl before draining.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente because it will absorb a touch of sauce and continue to soften. Test a strand a minute or two before the package time ends.
Toast tomato paste: Letting the tomato paste cook briefly in the pan brings out a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor that makes the sauce taste richer.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be fine for convenience, but freshly grated melts better and gives a brighter aroma.
Adjust thickness with water: If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved cooking water at a time until it loosens and becomes glossy.
Keep heat gentle once cream is added: A vigorous boil can separate the cream. Simmer slowly and stir.
Taste as you go: Oregano and salt levels can vary by brand and freshness. Tasting ensures you’re in control.
Make-ahead note: You can prepare the sauce earlier and gently reheat it with a splash of reserved pasta water when the pasta is ready.

These are the little tricks I rely on to make this recipe forgiving, reliable, and consistently delicious.

Important Cooking Reminders

Always be careful when handling hot pasta water to avoid burns; use a sturdy ladle to remove and reserve water.
Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce; avoid high heat or microwave blasts which can separate the cream.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions without fresh basil; thaw and reheat slowly.
Don’t add cream to a very hot pan: Let the sauce cool slightly and then stir in cream to prevent curdling.
Avoid oversalting early: Tomatoes and Parmesan add saltiness. Taste before final adjustments.
Do not leave perishable creamy pasta at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent food safety issues.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

This is a comforting, moderately rich pasta dish. Estimated per serving, using a moderate portion of pasta and the cream called for: calories roughly 550–700 kcal depending on pasta type and portion size. Carbohydrates will be primarily from the pasta and tomatoes, around 60–80 grams. Fat comes from the heavy cream, olive oil, and Parmesan, likely 20–35 grams. Protein will be present from the pasta and cheese, around 12–18 grams. These are rough estimates and will shift if you add proteins like chicken or swap in dairy-free alternatives.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 3–4

Common Questions You Might Have

Can I make this with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta? Yes. Whole wheat adds nuttiness and a heartier texture; gluten-free pastas work well too but watch cooking times closely as they can become mushy if overcooked. Use the package timing as your guide and taste frequently for al dente texture.

Can I swap out heavy cream for a lighter option? You can, although the sauce will be less rich. Try half-and-half for a lighter creaminess or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of butter to mimic richness. For dairy-free, full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat alternative will give body, but the flavor will shift slightly; finish with nutritional yeast if you miss the cheesy note.

What if my sauce seems thin or too thick? If thin: simmer gently a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken, or add a little grated Parmesan to help bind. If too thick: stir in a tablespoon at a time of reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency. The starchy water is the best rescuer for both texture and flavor.

Conclusion

When a week feels full and I want something that comforts without a long recipe, this bowl becomes my go-to. The way cherry tomatoes burst with quick sweetness against the soft cream, the rounded depth from a touch of tomato paste, and the final kiss of Parmesan and basil — it all comes together to make a memorable, simple meal. Delicious and Creamy Pasta is the kind of dish that holds memory: a hurried family dinner that became a shared favorite, a bowl I reach for when I need warmth. I hope this recipe becomes one of those small, dependable pleasures in your kitchen — easy enough for a busy evening and lovely enough to serve when friends stop by. Keep your pantry simple, trust the process, and enjoy the little ritual of stirring, tasting, and sharing.

Delicious and Creamy Pasta

Author: admin
Total Time: 30
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting pasta dish with creamy sauce and fresh tomatoes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup paprika, diced
Oregano, to taste
Salt, to enhance flavors
2 teaspoons tomato paste
200 ml heavy cream
100 ml reserved pasta water
Pasta of your choice
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, for topping
Extra-virgin olive oil, for sautéing
1 clove of garlic (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
Butter (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Cook until al dente, then reserve 100 ml of cooking water before draining.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 4-6 minutes.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced paprika, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
Sprinkle in oregano and salt, then stir in the tomato paste, letting it toast for a minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and reserved cooking water, reducing heat to low and simmering until thickened.
Add the drained pasta, tossing until well coated. Adjust with more reserved water if needed.
Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.

Notes

Reserve the pasta water as it helps emulsify the sauce. For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 20
Category: Main Course
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 80g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food