Easy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta is a high-protein twist on a classic comfort dish that comes together in one skillet with just a handful of ingredients. Cream cheese and tomato paste blend into a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta without heavy cream or complicated techniques. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but actually supports your goals.

Why This Recipe Works

• Cream cheese and tomato paste create a velvety sauce without needing heavy cream or a roux, keeping the ingredient list short and the method foolproof.
• Pasta water is your secret weapon here. The starch emulsifies with the cream cheese and tomato paste to form a glossy sauce that clings to every strand.
• Two servings means you get a solid protein boost per bowl while keeping portions satisfying enough to keep you full through the afternoon.
• The whole thing cooks in one skillet after the pasta boils, which means less cleanup and more time at the table.

Ingredients

• Pasta. The foundation of the dish, providing carbs for energy and a neutral base that carries the creamy tomato sauce beautifully.
• Onion. Diced and sauteed until soft, it adds a sweet aromatic depth that builds the flavor foundation of the sauce.
• Olive oil. Provides a rich cooking medium for the onion and contributes healthy fats that help you feel satisfied after eating.
• Garlic. A quick mince into the skillet adds aromatic warmth that makes the sauce taste like it simmered for hours.
• Cream cheese. The star of the sauce, melting into the tomato paste to create a thick, velvety texture without heavy cream.
• Tomato paste. Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce its signature red color and tangy depth without watering things down.
• Pasta water. Starchy cooking liquid that thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while helping it cling to every strand of pasta.
• Italian seasoning. A blend of dried herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to the sauce with zero effort.
• Parmesan cheese. Adds salty, umami richness that rounds out the tomato flavor and boosts the protein count per serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein pasta dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights when you want something better than takeout.
• Creamy tomato sauce made with cream cheese instead of heavy cream, so you get the indulgent texture without the extra fat.
• One-skillet method after boiling pasta means minimal cleanup and a lot less dishwashing after dinner.
• Uses simple ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge, no specialty trips to the grocery store required.
• Makes two generous servings, perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner for two on a weeknight.
• The sauce actually sticks to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl, thanks to the pasta water emulsion trick.

What To Serve This Recipe With

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled chicken breast
• Toasted garlic bread
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

Recipe Variations

• Italian Sausage Version — Brown lean Italian sausage in the skillet before cooking the onion for a hearty, protein-packed twist.
• Shrimp Tomato Pasta — Swap in sauteed shrimp for extra protein and a slightly different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
• Veggie-Packed Version — Stir in a cup of spinach or chopped bell peppers when you add the seasonings for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option — Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same method, keeping an eye on cook times since GF pasta varies by brand.
• Dairy-Free Version — Swap the cream cheese and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives that melt well, and use olive oil throughout.

Tips

FAQs

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot
• Large Skillet
• Wooden Spatula

Recipe

Easy Tomato Pasta

A creamy, comforting tomato pasta that comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like cream cheese and tomato paste. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 4 oz dried pasta
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 oz full fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup pasta water from your cooked pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt and black pepper
• 20 grams parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Parmesan Cheese
• Fresh or dried parsley

Directions

 

1. Cook your pasta according to your box’s instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 11 minutes depending on your pasta.
2. Once your pasta is cooked, drain your pasta and save some pasta water for later.
3. In a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and add your diced onion.
4. Sautee on medium heat for several minutes before adding your minced garlic. Cook for about a minute or two.
5. Add your tomato paste, cream cheese and a small amount of pasta water and begin mixing.
6. Slowly add more pasta water if it’s too thick.
7. Once it reaches your desired consistency, add your seasonings and parmesan cheese and mix.
8. Add your pasta to the skillet and mix well. Add extra pasta water if needed.
9. Let it cook on low for about 2-3 minutes.
10. Serve.

Video

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Nutrition Facts