3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta: Easy, Dreamy & Delicious

You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, exhausted, and just need dinner to *happen*? That’s when my 3-ingredient creamy tomato pasta swoops in like a hero. It’s ridiculously simple—just pasta, tomato sauce, and heavy cream—but the result is this luxuriously velvety dish that tastes like you put way more effort into it. I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has saved my weeknights. The best part? You’ll be eating in under 20 minutes, and no one will believe how few ingredients are involved.

Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s your new weeknight lifesaver. Here’s why:

• Speed demon: From pantry to plate in 20 minutes flat. (Yes, I’ve timed it while chasing my toddler.)
• Minimalist magic: Three ingredients is all you need to create something that tastes decadent.
• Silky richness: That heavy cream transforms basic tomato sauce into something restaurant-worthy.
• Shape shifter: Use whatever pasta you’ve got—it works with spaghetti, penne, even farfalle.

I’ve served this to picky kids, last-minute guests, and my pasta-snob brother—every single time, the bowl gets licked clean.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

Here’s the beauty—just three things stand between you and a bowl of pure comfort:

• 8 oz pasta (any shape you love—I’m partial to rigatoni for those saucy ridges)
• 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat, non-negotiable—this is what makes it silky, not sad)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade if you’re fancy, jarred if you’re human)

That’s it. No hidden pantry raids, no “oh wait, you also need this obscure spice.” Just these three heroes doing all the work.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

Okay, let’s turn those three humble ingredients into something magical. I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet—just follow these steps:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get your pasta boiling in well-salted water (it should taste like the sea!). Cook it just until al dente—about 1 minute less than the package says. Trust me, you want that slight bite. Drain it, but save a mug of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce later.

Step 2: Heat the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, grab a saucepan and warm the tomato sauce and heavy cream together over medium heat (no higher!). Stir it every minute or so—you’re aiming for gentle bubbles, not a volcanic eruption. The cream will thicken slightly and turn the most gorgeous coral color.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

The moment your pasta’s drained, dump it straight into the sauce and toss like your life depends on it. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Serve immediately with a reckless shower of Parmesan and maybe a basil leaf if you’re feeling fancy. Boom—dinner is served!

Tips for Perfect 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

After making this recipe approximately 4,372 times (okay, maybe 50), here are my hard-won secrets:

• Pasta water is magic: That starchy liquid loosens the sauce without diluting flavor—start with ¼ cup and add more as needed.
• Cream control: Like it extra rich? Use 1.5 cups cream. Watching calories? Stick to ¾ cup—it’ll still be dreamy.
• Basil boost: Tear fresh leaves over the top just before serving—the aroma makes all the difference.
• Sauce restraint: The pasta should be coated, not swimming. Add sauce gradually—you can always add more!

Bonus tip: If your cream looks grainy, take it off heat and whisk vigorously—it’ll smooth right out.

Variations for 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

Want to jazz up your 3-ingredient creamy tomato pasta without complicating things? Here are my favorite easy upgrades:

• Garlic lover’s twist: Sauté 2 minced cloves in olive oil before adding the sauce and cream—just 30 seconds fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes turns this into a creamy arrabbiata-style dish that’ll wake up your taste buds.
• Parmesan party: Stir in a handful of grated Parm right at the end—it melts into the sauce, adding nutty depth.

These aren’t mandatory, but wow do they take this simple dish to new heights!

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato pasta shines all on its own, but if you want to turn it into a proper meal, here’s what I love to pair with it:

• Garlic bread: The obvious (and delicious) choice—those crispy edges are perfect for sauce-mopping
• Simple green salad: A lemony arugula mix cuts through the richness beautifully
• Roasted veggies: Toss whatever’s in your fridge with olive oil and herbs while the pasta cooks

Honestly though? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the pan with a fork—no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? (Rare in my house, but it happens!) Store them in an airtight container—they’ll stay good for about 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to bring back that silky texture. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s just warm enough to devour all over again.

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are rough estimates since brands vary. Per generous serving, you’re looking at about 450 calories and 25g of fat (hey, that’s the good creamy stuff!). It’s comfort food, not health food, and we’re perfectly okay with that.

Questions About 3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Pasta

I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the answers to the most common questions:

• Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? Oh honey, no. Milk just won’t give you that luscious texture. The higher fat content in cream is what makes this dish special—it’s worth the splurge!
• What’s the best pasta shape? Honestly? Whatever’s in your pantry! Short shapes like penne trap sauce beautifully, but spaghetti works great too—just twirl away.
• Can I make this ahead? Not ideal—the magic is in that just-cooked creaminess. But if you must, keep the sauce and pasta separate, then combine when reheating.

Still have questions? Just ask—I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!

Rate This Recipe

Made this dreamy pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your star rating below and share your thoughts!

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