Description
This creamy tomato pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich tomato cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, it brings a deliciously satisfying meal to your table in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
For the Sauce
- 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
For Serving
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain but keep aside some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and bubbles lightly, about 5 minutes. Adjust heat to avoid boiling.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper generously to taste. If the sauce tastes too tangy, balance it with a pinch of sugar to mellow the acidity.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce in the skillet. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved hot pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato pasta and finish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with pasta.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor but adjust quantity if you prefer a milder taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk but the sauce will be less creamy.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
