Midnight Sosyal Tomato Cream Pasta Penne
Chef RV Manabat (adapted by JojoM)
Ultra-creamy tomato cream pasta with penne, sausage and pantry staples—lasang sosyal pero affordable, perfect for merienda, ulam or midnight snack.
Midnight Sosyal Tomato Cream Pasta
Nothing beats a late-night pasta that feels sosyal but uses pure pantry staples. This creamy tomato pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, stretches to feed a family, and tastes like something you’d order in a café—even if you cooked it half-asleep at midnight.
The secret? A rich mix of cream and tomato paste simmered gently until silky, plus a little dried thyme for that restaurant-style aroma. Add your favourite sausage, toss the pasta right in, and finish with cheese for a glossy, creamy finish.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pantry-friendly: tomato paste, cream, pasta—lahat basic ingredients.
- Sosyal taste on a budget: thyme + cream creates a surprisingly elegant flavour.
- Perfect for merienda or midnight cravings.
- Kid-friendly: adjust the cayenne as needed.
- One-pan sauce: minimal hugasan!
🧑🍳 How to Make It
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a well-salted pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then reserve some starchy pasta water before draining. This water helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully.
2. Build the Tomato Cream Sauce
Gently heat the cream until steaming, then stir in dried thyme for fragrance. Add the tomato paste and whisk until dissolved into a smooth, rich orange sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir in the sausage and warm through.
If it looks thick, add splashes of pasta water until silky.
3. Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta straight into the sauce. Toss gently, then turn off the heat before stirring in the cheese. This keeps the sauce glossy and prevents splitting.
Finish with extra cheese and chopped spring onions.
Serve immediately—creamy, comforting, and perfect for any time of day.
💡 Chef’s Tips
- Undercook the pasta by one minute—this prevents mushiness after simmering in the sauce.
- Always save pasta water! It fixes thick sauces instantly.
- Turn off heat before adding cheese for a smooth finish.
- Use any short pasta you have: fusilli, shells, macaroni.
- Add mushrooms, tuna, or chicken if you want more protein.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Toasted pandesal
- Side salad with crisp greens
- Perfect merienda or quick ulam
❓ FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes—but you must cook them down until thick and concentrated. Tomato paste gives stronger flavour instantly.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half cream + half whole milk or evaporated milk.
How long will leftovers keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.
⭐ Reader Comments
Mara: Ginawa ko kagabi past 11pm, sakto sa cravings! Super creamy at hindi nakakabitin sa sauce.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ken: Nagustuhan ng buong pamilya, lalo na yung kids. Medyo binawasan ko lang yung cayenne pepper.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lovelyn: Perfect pang-merienda sa office potluck. Ginamit ko fusilli instead of penne, works pa rin!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rico: Lasang sosyal talaga kahit puro pantry staples lang. Next time magdadagdag ako ng tuna or mushrooms.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enjoy this creamy, comforting, wallet-friendly pasta—perfect for cravings any time of day!
Midnight Sosyal Tomato Cream Pasta Penne
Chef RV Manabat (adapted by JojoM)Ultra-creamy tomato cream pasta with penne, sausage and pantry staples—lasang sosyal pero affordable, perfect for merienda, ulam or midnight snack.
Chef's Tips
Undercook the pasta by about 1 minute from the packet directions so it stays al dente after simmering in the sauce.
Reserve a cup of salty pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
Turn off the heat before adding cheese to keep the sauce smooth and prevent splitting.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste or omit for kids and spice-sensitive guests.
Use any short pasta you have at home—penne, fusilli, macaroni, or shells all work.
Tools Used
We use affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Pasta
Tomato Cream Sauce
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- 1
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.
- 2
Add the pasta and cook until about 1 minute shy of the packet’s suggested time so it stays slightly firm.
- 3
Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup (250 ml) of the pasta water and set aside.
- 4
Drain the pasta and keep it nearby while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Tomato Cream Sauce
- 1
In a wide casserole or deep pan, pour in the cream and set over medium heat.
- 2
Once the cream is steaming and just starting to bubble, stir in the dried thyme.
- 3
Add the tomato paste and whisk or stir until fully dissolved and the sauce turns an even orange-red colour.
- 4
Season with cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
- 5
Stir in the sausage pieces and let them warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- 6
If the sauce looks too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it while keeping it silky.
Combine, Finish and Serve
- 1
Add the cooked pasta straight into the pan of sauce and toss gently until every piece is well coated.
- 2
Sprinkle in the grated cheese, then turn off the heat and keep tossing until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- 3
Add a little more pasta water if needed so the pasta looks glossy and saucy rather than dry.
- 4
Plate the pasta in bowls and finish with extra grated cheese and a generous handful of chopped spring onions.
- 5
Serve immediately while hot and creamy—perfect for merienda, midnight snack or a quick ulam with garlic bread.
Comments & Reviews
Rico
11/15/2025
Lasang sosyal talaga kahit puro pantry staples lang. Next time magdadagdag ako ng tuna or mushrooms.
Lovelyn
11/15/2025
Perfect pang-merienda sa office potluck. Ginamit ko fusilli instead of penne, works pa rin!
Ken
11/15/2025
Nagustuhan ng buong pamilya, lalo na yung kids. Medyo binawasan ko lang yung cayenne pepper.
Mara
11/15/2025
Ginawa ko kagabi past 11pm, sakto sa cravings! Super creamy at hindi nakakabitin sa sauce.
Save, Plan & Shop Smarter
Create and edit your own recipes, import from most websites, plan your week, and build smart grocery lists.
Import recipes from most websites
Create and edit your own recipes
Plan your week with the Meal Planner
Mark favourites for quick access
Build grocery lists from your meal plan
Tick off pantry items you already have
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of recipe)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
