Elevate Your Pasta Game with An Easy Tomato-Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Finding a dish that feels like a warm hug while also being simple to make is rare. Enter this grown-up tomato-Parmesan pasta recipe—a nostalgic twist on classic childhood meals.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish blends easy preparation with rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding yourself or impressing guests, this pasta checks all the boxes.

A Comfort Food with a Sophisticated Spin

Elevate Your Pasta Game with An Easy Tomato-Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Tomato Parmesan Pasta pin 1 midia 1

Remember the canned pasta meals from your childhood? This recipe is inspired by that same cozy feeling but adds a modern Mediterranean touch.

Using anelli (Italian for “little rings”) or other short pasta, this dish combines fresh ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic, and basil for an elevated take on nostalgia.

The addition of tomato paste deepens the sauce’s flavor while fresh herbs bring vibrancy. It’s fast to prepare, making it an easy food solution for weeknights when you need something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why This Easy Recipe Is Perfect for Everyone

This pasta recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s versatile, too. Here’s why it works for different lifestyles:

  • Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those with busy schedules.
  • Budget-Friendly: With simple pantry staples like pasta, tomato paste, and olive oil, it’s affordable without skimping on flavor.
  • Customizable: Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or looking to add more protein, this recipe adapts beautifully.

This grown-up tomato-Parmesan pasta is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep on rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying—a perfect balance of ease and indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time

To make this recipe foolproof, follow these tips:

  1. Use Garlic-Infused Olive Oil: It adds a rich, aromatic base to your sauce without extra effort.
  2. Toast the Tomato Paste: Cooking it briefly before adding water intensifies its flavor.
  3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente texture to keep the dish fresh and light.

If you’re feeling creative, toss in some cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to elevate the dish even further.

Modifications to Suit Any Diet

This easy recipe is highly adaptable for various dietary preferences:

  • Vegetarian: It’s naturally vegetarian, but you can add plant-based protein like lentils for extra nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative without compromising on flavor.
  • Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.

No matter your dietary needs, this dish provides a customizable canvas to make your mealtime stress-free and delicious.

A Recipe That Brings Everyone Together

Elevate Your Pasta Game with An Easy Tomato-Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Tomato Parmesan Pasta pin 2 midia 1

Food has a unique way of bringing people closer, and this grown-up tomato-Parmesan pasta is no exception. Its heartwarming simplicity, paired with bold Mediterranean flavors, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re sharing it with family, hosting friends, or enjoying a quiet night alone, this recipe feels like a celebration in every bite.

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So, the next time you’re craving something comforting, quick, and effortlessly delicious, this easy pasta recipe has you covered. It’s proof that the simplest meals are often the most satisfying.

Elevate Your Pasta Game with An Easy Tomato-Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Tomato Parmesan Pasta midia

Easy Tomato-Parmesan Pasta Recipe

This quick and flavorful pasta dish is a comforting, grown-up version of the childhood classic SpaghettiOs. Featuring rich tomato paste, aromatic rosemary, and a savory Parmesan topping, this recipe is perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove smashed
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¾ cup anelli, ditalini, or other short, tubular pasta
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pour the olive oil into a medium saucepan and add the smashed garlic. Set the heat to medium-low and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rosemary and a pinch of red pepper flakes, letting the mixture cook for another minute until the herbs are aromatic.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the tomato paste until combined. Pour in 2½ cups of water and return the saucepan to the stove. Turn the heat up to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pasta and season generously with kosher salt. Continue cooking, stirring regularly, until the pasta is tender but firm to the bite (al dente), which should take about 12 minutes.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, take the saucepan off the heat and fold in the Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
  • Divide the pasta between two bowls or plates, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure the olive oil is kept at a low temperature when adding the garlic and rosemary to prevent burning.
  • This recipe is adaptable; substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or add cooked sausage for extra protein.
Keyword creamy Parmesan pasta, Easy Food Recipes, easy pasta recipe, fast dinner ideas, homemade tomato pasta, quick comfort food
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
nancy
Author & Editor |  + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.