Description
This Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food combining rich tomato flavors with a luscious creamy sauce. Made with simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh basil, this pasta dish is hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for a cozy dinner anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Liquids
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and soften the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with white wine: If using, pour in the dry white wine. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve pasta water and drain pasta: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander; do not rinse.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the simmered tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Finish with fresh basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version, though flavor and texture will vary.
- Red pepper flakes add heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Using fresh basil at the end enhances the brightness and freshness of the dish.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth or omit broth altogether.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami richness, but can be skipped or replaced with a vegetarian hard cheese alternative.
- For gluten-free pasta options, use suitable gluten-free pasta shapes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, tomato sauce, creamy pasta sauce
