Need a quick and easy comforting pasta dinner to make tonight? Try this creamy mascarpone pasta! It is made with simple everyday pantry ingredients and requires minimal prep. This pasta dish can be ready to serve your family in 30 minutes.
Love tomato and pasta? You will love these recipes: spaghetti arrabbiata, tomato basil pasta, tomato ricotta pasta, and creamy sundried tomato pasta.
We love creamy pasta around here, and yes, I have made all sorts of creamy pasta from creamy chicken curry pasta, to tomato ricotta pasta, pink sauce pasta, and many more.
Tomatoes are abundant at this time of the year. At every point in time, I have some leftovers in my kitchen. When I am not using them for omelets in the morning, they end up in my pasta dishes.
You can never have too much tomatoes and garlic in your pasta dish. After making tomato burrata salad for two days straight, I find myself with some leftover tomatoes. This creamy mascarpone pasta dish is a great way to use up the tomatoes and still have a delicious meal!
What is mascarpone cheese
Mascarpone cheese is an Italian cream cheese made from heavy cream. It has a rich and smooth texture with a mild, sweet flavor. It's usually used as a dessert filling, like tiramisu, or as a snack spread. It can also be used to make sauces and savory dishes like pasta.
Why you will love this recipe
- It's effortless and quick to make. It comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. You only need a handful of ingredients, which you probably have in your pantry already, and minimal prep. This is the case for most pasta recipes I share on my website. The aim is to help you make a delicious weeknight dinner the whole family would enjoy without spending ages in the kitchen.
- The creamy mascarpone sauce is a simple pasta dish that is so flavourful with just the right amount of garlic and tomatoes. It is light, fresh, and vibrant.
- Economical: It's a great way to use up any leftovers, especially the tomatoes. You may find that you have surplus tomatoes in the fridge. This recipe is sure an excellent way to use it.
- A nutritious meal: This creamy mascarpone pasta contains delicious ingredients to provide your family with much-needed nutrition.
What you will need
You will use these ingredients to make this delicious creamy tomato and mascarpone pasta.
Pasta: I used penne pasta, but you can use any of your favorite pasta shapes.
Butter: I used unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, then adjust the salt you will add to the final dish accordingly.
Tomato: I used cherry tomatoes, but any fresh tomatoes will work for this recipe
Italian seasoning: substitute with Herbs de Provence of any mixture of dried herbs of your choice.
Red pepper flakes: For a little kick, omit if you prefer to or substitute with cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeno.
Basil oil: This is optional. I used this as I had it leftover from making burrata tomato salad.
Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for maximum flavor.
Fresh garlic: Always aim for fresh garlic when cooking pasta for the best flavor and optimum result. In the absence of fresh garlic, use garlic powder or granules.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil leaves
How to make mascarpone pasta
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium heat and add butter heat until melted.
Add the sliced cherry tomatoes to the melted butter and cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Using the back of a spatula, carefully smash the tomatoes to release their juices and stir to combine.
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stir to combine, and cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is softened and the spices fragrant.
Pour some of the pasta water into the skillet and stir to combine. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir to combine until creamy. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Tear some fresh basil into the creamy mascarpone sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Lastly, add the pasta, toss, or stir to combine. Add more pasta water if need be. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve with basil oil, fresh basil leaves, or parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
What to serve with creamy mascarpone pasta
I love serving pasta with homemade garlic bread made in the oven or the air fryer.
You can also serve this pasta with a simple everyday green salad. For a touch of color and more nutrition, add some fresh baby spinach and kale to the pasta. Zucchini and peas will also pair well with this recipe.
Tips
- Swap the pasta for gnocchi.
- You can also use cream cheese in place of mascarpone.
- If you don't have Italian seasoning, substitute it with oregano and rosemary for a delicious result.
- Substitute the fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add animal protein such as salmon, chicken, or bacon to the pasta.
Watch how to make it
How to store
This pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To store, transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container.
To reheat: Heat it over low-medium heat on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve. If it is too thick, you may need to add a splash of water or milk to aird the reheating process.
More 15-minute pasta recipes you should try next
Olive oil pasta with sundried tomatoes
Easy salmon pasta without cream
Mascarpone Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ lb Pasta I used penne pasta
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 150 g mascarpone cheese
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup Tomato Sliced in halves.
- ½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 6 garlic cloves
- Salt and black pepper
- 5 g Fresh basil leaves
- Pasta water about ½-⅓ cup
- Basil oil to serve optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain the pasta.½ lb Pasta
- Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium heat and add butter and heat until melted.3 Tablespoons butter
- Add the sliced cherry tomatoes to the melted butter (season with a pinch of salt and pepper) and cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Using the back of a spatula, carefully smash the tomatoes to release their juices and stir to combine.1 cup Tomato
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, stir to combine, and cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic is soft and the spices fragrant.½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 6 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- Pour some pasta water (about ⅓ cup) into the skillet and stir to combine. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir to combine until creamy. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes.150 g mascarpone cheese, Pasta water, ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- Tear some fresh basil into the creamy mascarpone sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.Basil oil to serve
- Lastly, add the pasta, toss, or stir to combine. Add more pasta water if need be. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve with basil oil, fresh basil leaves, or parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious pasta recipe you can make at home in 15 minutes. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 stars and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox.
Lana Burbo says
Thanks for this amazing recipe! Just made it, so delicious!
Ajoke says
Fantastic! Thanks for the feedback, Lana. I am happy you enjoyed it.
Angela says
Thank you Ajoke,
I love this recipe! I find it to be versatile and flexible.
It is something new and delicious to add to my repertoire. I used it to create a sauce for the fried chicken hearts. I substituted broth for the pasta water to create the perfect sauce for the dish.
Amen!
Ajoke says
Yass!!! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for the great feedback.