Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a comforting and quick meal, featuring fresh tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and velvety cream. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound (16 ounces) of penne pasta or your choice of pasta
- 8 cups of water (for boiling, plus a pinch of salt)
Tomato Base
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for sautéing)
Cream and Cheese
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil or 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (for added nutrition and color)
- Cooked sausage or grilled chicken (for added protein)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.
Once the water is boiling, add your pasta of choice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Next, add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they break down into a sauce.
Stir in salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for flavor.
Add Cream to the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
Mix thoroughly to combine the cream with the tomato sauce.
Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is creamy and well-mixed, add the drained pasta to the skillet.
Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish with Fresh Basil
Finely chop a handful of fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta.
Toss the pasta one last time to incorporate the basil into the dish.
Serve hot, garnishing with extra basil or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy meal!
Notes
- Stock Selection: Choose stock that complements your dish (chicken stock for a richer flavor, vegetable stock for a vegetarian option).
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use single cream (half-and-half) or a mixture of milk and butter instead of double cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 People
- Calories: 565kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 73g
- Protein: 17g