Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A delightful and comforting pasta dish with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta Choose your favorite pasta type for a comforting base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds a smooth, rich flavor to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with an aromatic depth.
- 1 small onion, finely diced Sweet and mellow, creating a flavorful base.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For a touch of heat, perfect if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- 1 can (15-ounce) crushed tomatoes Juicy and tangy, adding a burst of freshness.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce Enhances the sauce’s richness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Its herbal notes provide a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Sweet and fragrant, complementing the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream Provides that luxurious, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Nutty and savory, making the sauce irresistibly delicious.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water Helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Perfect for a lovely presentation.
- Extra Parmesan, for serving Because who doesn’t love more cheese?
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pan. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 8–10 minutes.
- Once the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and coat the pasta evenly.
- Simmer the pasta in the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes until fully coated and glossy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Practical Tips: Always reserve pasta water before draining; adjust spice levels to your preference; for a creamier sauce, substitute half-and-half.