Creamy Tomato Pasta in 30 Min!
A comforting and effortlessly delicious pasta dish, where a vibrant tomato base is mellowed and enriched with a touch of cream, creating a smooth and satisfying sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta any short shape like penne or rotini
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes quality brand
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce is heated through and creamy. Do not boil after adding cream.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For added protein, stir in cooked grilled chicken or shrimp at the end. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick. For a richer flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) along with the crushed tomatoes. Fresh basil is an excellent garnish.