Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish featuring a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, perfectly tossing al dente pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and quick meal ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
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 cream or whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-12 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until melted. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Mix until smooth and cook gently for about 5 minutes, reducing heat if needed, until the sauce thickens and is lightly bubbling.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season generously with salt and pepper. If the sauce tastes too acidic or tangy, stir in a small pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and immediately toss it with the creamy tomato sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Add a splash of reserved hot pasta water if the sauce is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta and generously sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy at its best.
Notes
- Use good quality pasta for better texture and flavor.
- Adjust cream amount for a lighter or richer sauce according to preference.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for an herbaceous touch if desired.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to loosen sauce if it thickens too much.
- For a tang-free sauce, use sugar sparingly and taste frequently while seasoning.
