Description
Creamy tomato pasta brings Italian comfort right to kitchen counters with minimal effort. Smooth sauce and tender noodles combine in a quick meal that delights senses and satisfies hunger without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Seasoning:
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a generous pot with water, incorporate a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until reaching the perfect tender-yet-firm texture, typically following package guidelines.
- Carefully extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the noodles completely.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil or butter over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately two minutes.
- Gently pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, complementing with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, gradually thickening over 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, smooth consistency. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too dense, strategically introduce reserved pasta water, gradually achieving the ideal silky texture.
- Plate the pasta, generously sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese and adorning with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Soften garlic carefully to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste that overpowers the delicate sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum melting and flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, adding gradually for controlled spiciness.
- Swap heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk for lighter versions while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg