Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Tomato Pasta recipe featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich and velvety tomato and cream sauce, garnished with fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, reducing the heat slightly, and let the sauce cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to let it thicken and become creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy tomato sauce and toss well to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated parmesan cheese for extra richness and creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the creamy tomato pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving to add a fresh herbal aroma and flavor.
Notes
- To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as it helps bind the sauce to the pasta better.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be added when tossing pasta with sauce.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the richness but is optional for a lighter version.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil can be used but add earlier with the tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
