Description
Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This vegetarian main course is ideal for weeknight dinners and can be customized with extra veggies or protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the pasta and sauce together for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to heat through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta while hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can add sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and protein.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
