Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
A delightful dish combining rich cream, vibrant tomatoes, and garlic, creating a satisfying plate perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Gives a robust flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- 1 14 oz can Crushed Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce Use whichever you prefer; crushed tomatoes provide texture.
Seasoning and Extras
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Enhances the dish with classic Italian herbs.
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Adds a bit of heat that balances the creaminess.
Main Components
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) Choose your favorite pasta shape to catch the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Provides richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds depth and umami to the cream sauce.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Basil or Parsley Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, around 2 minutes.
- Add 1 small chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Cooking the Sauce
- Pour in 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Pasta Preparation
- Cook 8 oz of pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Final Assembly
- Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Allow it to heat through for about 3 minutes, stirring gently.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions. Feel free to customize with favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.