Ever notice how kids say no to vegetables… but never to creamy pasta?

That’s the magic of this Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce.

It’s rich.
It’s colorful.
It’s mildly spiced.
And it hides veggies in the most delicious way possible.

If you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe that works for lunch boxes, quick dinners, or even small parties, this creamy macaroni pasta is your go-to.

What Makes This Tomato Cream Pasta So Good?

This isn’t just red sauce pasta.

It’s not plain white sauce either.

It’s a beautiful combination of:

• Fresh tomato puree
• Creamy homemade white sauce
• Cheese melt
• Butter + olive oil flavor
• Italian herbs

The result?

A silky, slightly tangy, perfectly balanced tomato cream pasta sauce that coats every piece of macaroni.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be practical.

You want a recipe that:

• Takes under 30 – 40 minutes
• Uses pantry staples
• Is kid-approved
• Can be customized
• Feels restaurant-style at home

This pasta checks every box.

It’s comforting but not heavy.
Creamy but not overly rich.
Flavorful but not spicy.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta: Macaroni or shells work beautifully because they hold the sauce inside.
• Butter + Olive Oil: Butter adds richness. Olive oil prevents burning and balances flavor.
• Garlic & Onion: The foundation of flavor. Never skip this base.
• Green & Red Capsicum: Adds crunch, color, and subtle sweetness.
• Corn Kernels: Natural sweetness that kids love.
• Tomato Puree: Fresh, tangy base that lifts the creaminess.
• White Sauce (Homemade): This is the body of the dish, smooth and velvety.
• Cheese Slices: Melts into the white sauce, giving creamy texture without needing heavy cream.
• Italian Seasoning + Oregano + Chilli Flakes: That authentic pizza-style flavor boost.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh finish that elevates the whole dish.

How It All Comes Together

Start by blanching tomatoes. Once peeled and blended, you get a fresh, vibrant tomato puree. This makes a huge difference compared to store-bought puree.

Meanwhile, boil water and cook your pasta until it’s about ¾ done.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t fully cook the pasta. It will finish cooking in the sauce and absorb more flavour.

Drain and keep aside.

Making the Creamy White Sauce

In a wide pan, melt butter and add maida. Stir continuously.

You’re not frying it deeply,  just cooking until it loses the raw smell and slightly changes color.

Now slowly pour in boiled milk while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps.

Season with salt and pepper.

Let it thicken gently.

Add cheese slices and stir until melted.

You now have a smooth, creamy white sauce.

🌱 Vegan Swap: Replace butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese.

Building the Tomato Cream Pasta

Now take another wide pan.

Add butter and olive oil. Once warm, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.

Add green capsicum, red capsicum, and corn. Sauté briefly, don’t overcook. You want a slight crunch.

Pour in the fresh tomato puree. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Season with:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Chilli flakes
• Homemade tomato ketchup

That ketchup adds a subtle sweet tang, especially great for kids.

Now pour in the prepared white sauce.

Mix well.

Finally, add the partially cooked pasta and fresh basil leaves.

Toss everything together so the sauce coats every piece.

Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Serve hot with grated cheese on top.

Creamy. Glossy. Perfect.

What Problems This Recipe Solves

• Kids refusing vegetables
• Quick weeknight dinners
• Lunch box boredom
• Small party menu planning
• Craving restaurant-style pasta at home

It’s comfort food made simple.

Health & Diet Adjustments

• Whole Wheat Version: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Protein Boost: Add paneer cubes or grilled chicken.
• Extra Veggie Version: Add mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli.

Dairy-Free Option

• Vegan Swap: Use plant milk + vegan cheese in white sauce.

What Goes Along with Creamy Macaroni Pasta

• Garlic bread
• Toasted sandwich slices
• Clear vegetable soup
• Fresh lemonade
• Roasted vegetables

For kids, serve with a small fruit bowl.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Sprinkle:

• Extra oregano
• Fresh basil
• Grated cheese

For parties, serve in individual bowls topped with cheese.

Packing Tips

For lunch box:

• Let pasta cool slightly before packing.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of warm milk before packing to prevent dryness.
• Pack in an insulated container.

Best consumed within 5–6 hours.

Party / Bulk Preparation Tips

Cooking for a crowd?

• Boil pasta in advance.
• Prepare white sauce separately.
• Combine everything just before serving.

This prevents over-thickening.

Common Pitfalls

• Lumpy White Sauce: Whisk continuously while adding milk.
• Dry Pasta: Add reserved pasta water or milk while reheating.
• Overcooked Pasta: Always cook only ¾ done initially.
• Too Tangy Sauce: Balance with a little extra milk or cheese.

How to Store Creamy Tomato Pasta

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Cream-based sauces thicken over time; this is normal.

Substitutions

• Use penne instead of macaroni
• Add chilli garlic sauce for spice
• Replace corn with peas
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of cheese slices

How to Reheat

• Reheat on low flame in a pan.
• Add 2–3 tablespoons of milk and stir gently.
• Avoid microwaving without adding moisture, it may dry out.

Other Related Recipes You Might Like:-

• Pink Sauce Pasta – creamy blend of tomato and white sauce for a rich café-style pasta.
• Indian-Style Masala Pasta – desi-spiced pasta with bold flavours.
• Creamy White Sauce Macaroni – smooth and cheesy white sauce pasta loved by kids.
• Masala Macaroni – quick, spicy macaroni for busy evenings.
• Vegetable Au Gratin – cheesy baked vegetables in creamy sauce.
• Creamy Butter Garlic Mushrooms – buttery mushroom side dish perfect with pasta.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread – cheesy bread snack to complete your pasta meal.
• Hong Kong Style Noodles – Indo-Asian noodle alternative for fusion lovers.