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20-Minute Creamy Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti – Irresistible Comfort

creamy tomato parmesan spaghetti

A quick and creamy tomato parmesan spaghetti with a rich sauce and al dente pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more to finish)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add Parmesan and stir until melted. If the sauce is too thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  6. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and stir until fully coated. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
  7. Serve hot with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and parsley.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water to control sauce thickness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato parmesan spaghetti, creamy tomato pasta, parmesan spaghetti, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, tomato cream sauce