Description
A rich and creamy tomato pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a luscious tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by garlic, onion, and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use in adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Pour the canned chopped tomatoes into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and thicken slightly.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow it to thicken and become creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it is too thick.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated parmesan cheese to enrich the flavor and creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with plant-based cream and omit parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil can be used but add it earlier in the sauce cooking process.
- Pasta can be penne, spaghetti, or any shape you prefer.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
