Looking for savory recipes with mascarpone cheese? Then you'll LOVE this scrumptious Tomato Mascarpone Pasta! This mouthwatering recipe is bursting with flavor, plus it's ready in minutes and couldn't be easier to make. Serve it on a busy weeknight or for your next dinner party!
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Is there anything better on a busy weeknight than a delicious, homemade dinner that's ready in 20 minutes? If there is, I can't think of it!
When I need an easy, satisfying meal, pasta is typically my go-to. Not only is it a time-tested crowd-pleaser, but it's also possible to make a quick homemade sauce while the pasta cooks (win win).
This Tomato Mascarpone Pasta is a recent favorite of mine, and I know you're going to LOVE this recipe! The mouthwatering Mascarpone Tomato Sauce requires just a few ingredients, and you probably have most of them in your pantry. It has a rich, creamy texture and spicy flavor that's absolutely irresistible. And best of all? The recipe takes minutes to make!
Make sure to start cooking the pasta first, because the flavorful sauce is ready in under ten minutes ... you can keep that secret to yourself though! This simple pasta dish is perfect for those nights you need a fast meal, but it's special enough for dinner parties, too.
Okay, are you getting hungry? Then keep reading for the easy recipe and lots of helpful tips!
Ingredients
This flavor-packed pasta uses simple ingredients! Here's what you'll need:
- Mascarpone - This soft Italian cheese has a wonderful creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. It's most popularly used in tiramisu, but it works wonderfully in savory recipes, too. Look for mascarpone cheese in your grocery store's specialty cheese section (often near the deli), or shop for it online. If you cannot find it, I would recommend using heavy cream instead.
- Tomato Paste - You'd never guess that this pasta sauce is made with tomato paste, but this easy to find ingredient makes throwing the recipe together a snap! I recommend using a good-quality Italian tomato paste like Mutti or Cento.
- Peppers - Spicy crushed Calabrian chili peppers are a staple in Southern Italian cooking, and they're also a key ingredient. This pepper paste does more than just add heat, it also give the sauce a wonderful, complex flavor. Look for jars of these crushed peppers in well-stocked supermarkets, Italian grocery stores (or Eataly, if you have one nearby), or purchase them online. If you can't find them, you could use ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste) instead.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds another layer of flavor to the simple sauce.
- Olive Oil - You'll cook all the sauce ingredients in extra virgin olive oil.
- Pasta - Long, flat strands of pasta, such as fettuccine (which is what I used) or linguine, will work best.
This creamy Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce is naturally vegetarian! You can easily make the recipe gluten free by pairing the sauce with GF fettuccine.
You'll Also Need
You'll need a large pot to cook the pasta (I used my fave dutch oven), as well as a large frying pan with deep sides (12-inches or bigger) to cook the pasta sauce (this nonstick skillet works perfectly).
How to Make Tomato Mascarpone Pasta
This creamy Mascarpone Pasta couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Cook the pasta. Because the sauce comes together so quickly, you should start the pasta first. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook it until it's al dente. When the pasta's ready, reserve ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain it. Tip: You'll need the pasta cooking water to make the sauce, so don't forget to save it!
- Start the sauce. When the pasta is about halfway done, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. When the oil is hot, add the tomato paste, garlic, Calabrian chili peppers, and a little salt.
- Caramelize the tomato paste. Stirring constantly, cook the tomato paste, garlic, and chili peppers until they come together and form a dark red sauce. Tip: Cooking the sauce this way caramelizes the tomato paste and concentrates its flavor.
- Add the mascarpone.
- Finish the sauce. Continue stirring constantly until the mascarpone has melted and combined with the other ingredients to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Tip: If your pasta hasn't finished cooking by this point, remove the sauce from the heat until it's ready.
- Combine pasta + sauce. Add the pasta to the sauce, along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Stirring constantly, toss the pasta and sauce together, until sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats each strand of pasta. Season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
Okay, time to enjoy your scrumptious Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta ... doesn't it look delicious?
Variations
The beauty of this creamy Tomato Mascarpone Sauce lies in its simplicity! If you can't resist tweaking the recipe though, here are a few ideas to try:
- Veggies - This recipe with be delicious with added veggies! Try topping it with Roasted Grape Tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes). You could also mix in fresh spinach along with the pasta, or toss it with roasted or Grilled Veggies.
- Herbs - Serve topped with a sprinkle of basil, parsley, or other fresh herbs.
- Extra Creamy - Add extra mascarpone (to taste).
- Less Spicy - I would classify this easy pasta dish as medium spicy ... my 12-year old niece ate it with no complaints! However, Calabrian chili paste can be very spicy ... if you're unsure, start by mixing in just a little (you can always add more).
- Extra Spicy - Add additional chili paste or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before eating.
- Cheese - Serve topped with a little grated parmesan or romano cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a salad for a quick, yet elegant meal ... try it with this Basic Green Salad, Garden Salad, or this Easy Kale Salad. You could do a fancier salad, like this beautiful Pomegranate Salad, too! Simple veggies side dishes, like Roast Delicata Squash or Roasted Root Vegetables, would also be tasty. And who could resist some buttery Garlic Bread?
For dessert, serve a scoop of Homemade Frozen Yogurt (perhaps topped with this yummy Blueberry Compote) or these irresistible Coffee Cookies!
Storage
This Mascarpone Tomato Pasta tastes best when enjoyed freshly made. If you have any leftovers though, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for three to four days. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the top, cover, and warm gently in your microwave.
Related Recipes
Looking for more speedy pasta recipes? You can make all of these tasty dishes in 30 minutes or less:
- 15 Minute Tomato Basil Pasta
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Tomato and Halloumi Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo
- Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Pesto Pasta
- 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
- Instant Pot Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Olives
- Vegetable Lo Mein
Searching for something else? You can find all of my pasta recipes here!
Tomato Mascarpone Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453 grams) fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons crushed Calabrian chili peppers
- ½ cup mascarpone
- kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente.
- Reserve ¾ cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
- Meanwhile, when pasta is about halfway done, warm olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- When hot, add tomato paste, garlic, chili paste, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until tomato paste darkens in color (about 2 minutes).
- Mix mascarpone into tomato mixture, stirring until it's fully combined with other ingredients.
- Add pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to sauce. Toss together until sauce thickens slightly and coats pasta evenly. Remove from heat, then season to taste with additional salt, if needed.
- Serve pasta immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
