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Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This creamy tomato pasta recipe features a silky, rich tomato sauce made with everyday ingredients like tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, and heavy cream. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or lazy dinners, topped off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain when done but keep some pasta water aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Mix until smooth and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until thickened to your liking, adjusting heat to keep a gentle bubble.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce tastes too acidic or tangy, stir in a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved hot pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish.

Notes

  • You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a less rich sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Adding fresh basil or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile if desired.

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