Creamy Tomato Pasta Magic
This delightful Creamy Tomato Pasta is a weeknight hero, combining the tangy sweetness of tomatoes with a luxurious creaminess. It's incredibly simple to make but delivers a rich, satisfying flavor that will make it a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta any short shape like penne or fusilli
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 15 oz
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- fresh basil for garnish chopped
- 0.25 cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in generously salted water. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and heated through.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
- If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Ensure to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.