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Creamy Tomato Pasta

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A quick and comforting week-night dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a silky tomato-cream sauce enriched with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red-pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Thin with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and torn fresh basil.

Notes

  • Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter sauce.
  • Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Stir a handful of baby spinach into the sauce during the last minute for added greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, weeknight dinner, quick pasta, Italian comfort food

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/creamy-tomato-pasta/