Description
Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish with a rich, creamy sauce made from tomatoes and cream, offering the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Make the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the creamy tomato pasta between plates, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed Italian sausage for a protein-packed version of this pasta.
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian twist, you can add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- Vegan version: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
- Extra spice: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit more heat.
- Cheesy version: Stir in a handful of mozzarella cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess and a cheesy melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
