Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with a luscious creamy tomato sauce made from tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, and heavy cream. Finished with Italian seasoning and freshly grated parmesan, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
To Serve
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked and set aside, reserving a small splash of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and uniform. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while gently bubbling.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper generously according to your preference. If the sauce tastes too acidic or tangy, stir in a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta immediately and garnish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy while warm.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer; penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
- If you want a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe-3/
