Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A delightfully comforting dish featuring rich flavors of creamy sauce, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, perfect for any dining occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Using extra virgin olive oil brings a fruity flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped Sauté until translucent for the best flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Crush and chop right before cooking for the best taste.
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce Use directly from the can for convenience.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances the dish’s flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Add for an extra kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream Makes the sauce rich.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Add depth to the sauce.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season as desired.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Adds freshness.
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) Cook until al dente.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Cooking the Sauce
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes.
- Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente.
Combining
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix well until everything is combined and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Cook for an additional minute to allow flavors to meld.
Serving
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Enhance flavor with balsamic vinegar, customize creaminess with heavy cream, and serve with red pepper flakes for extra kick.