Creamy tomato pasta

You’re going to love this easy creamy tomato pasta recipe. It’s the perfect simple dinner served with plenty of Parmesan cheese.

When I want to elevate this delicious recipe to make it a little fancier, I serve it topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs. Flavored with oregano and chilli flakes, it’s a fantastic addition that levels up a simple plate of pasta.

Ingredients needed

• Bacon. I used streaky bacon.
• Ciabatta bread. 
• Dried oregano.
• Chilli flakes/red pepper flakes.
• Parmesan cheese. 
• Onion. 
• Fresh garlic cloves. 
• Tomato puree/passata. Crushed canned tomatoes can also be used.
• Tomato paste. 
• Heavy cream. 
• Salt and black pepper. 
• Spaghetti. Use any pasta shape of your choice. Penne, rigatoni or fettuccine are all delicious with pink sauce.
• Optional: This pasta is a super versatile and you can easily add vegetables or protein to make it a more complete meal. Chicken or shrimp would be delicious as would vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms or bell peppers.

How to make creamy tomato pasta

1. Make the breadcrumbs (optional): Cube the ciabatta and place in a sheetpan. Add strips of bacon then drizzle with a little olive oil and season with oregano and chilli flakes. Place in the oven and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes until the bread and bacon are crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature then transfer to a food processor. Pulse until the bread and bacon are broken up into crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add finely grated Parmesan.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then add the pasta of your choice. Cook until al dente then drain. While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
3. Make the creamy tomato pasta sauce: In a saucepan sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of butter until soft and fragrant. Stir in the oregano and cook for another 20-30 seconds before pouring in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer then pour in the cream and season to taste. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Assemble: Add cooked pasta and a splash of the pasta’s cooking water and toss well. Serve with a generous spoonful of bacon breadcrumbs and fresh basil leaves.

Can I make this in advance?

The breadcrumbs can be made and frozen for up to 3 months. Similarly, the creamy tomato sauce can be made and frozen for up to 3 months or kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftovers can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave with a splash of water.

Tomato pasta recipes

1. Easy cherry tomato prosciutto pasta
2. Tomato cream rigatoni
3. Bucatini Amatriciana