A quick and creamy tomato parmesan spaghetti with a rich sauce and al dente pasta.
Author:jessica
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Pasta
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
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
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.
In the same pot (or a large skillet), melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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.
Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Add Parmesan and stir until melted. If the sauce is too thick, splash in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Toss in the cooked spaghetti and stir until fully coated. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
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
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:520
Sugar:8g
Sodium:850mg
Fat:28g
Saturated Fat:17g
Unsaturated Fat:8g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:52g
Fiber:4g
Protein:16g
Cholesterol:85mg
Keywords: creamy tomato parmesan spaghetti, creamy tomato pasta, parmesan spaghetti, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, tomato cream sauce