Creamy Tomato Pasta

$- 300g pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - 200ml heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make creamy tomato pasta, start with the right ingredients. You need 300 grams of pasta, either penne or fettuccine, which will hold the sauce well. Olive oil adds a nice flavor. Use two tablespoons to sauté the garlic. Speaking of garlic, three cloves minced will bring a lovely aroma to your dish. The star of this recipe is the crushed tomatoes. One can, or 400 grams, gives a rich base. For flavor, add dried basil and oregano. Each herb needs one teaspoon. A teaspoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Next comes the heavy cream, 200 milliliters, which makes the sauce creamy. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, garnish your dish with basil leaves. If you love cheese, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan. Finding quality ingredients is key. Fresh herbs make a huge difference. Always choose good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. This recipe is simple but so satisfying. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps to create this creamy delight. 1. Boiling the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a rapid boil. Add 300g of your chosen pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. 2. Draining and reserving pasta water: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Make sure to save about a cup of pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. 1. Sautéing garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown; you want it fragrant. 2. Adding tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This step thickens the sauce and enhances the flavors. 1. Incorporating the cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in 200ml of heavy cream. Mix it well until it is fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. 2. Combining pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Gently toss it to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta delight! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the right sauce thickness, use pasta water. This water contains starch. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Start by adding small amounts until you reach your desired texture. This makes your dish creamy and rich. Balancing flavors is key to a great sauce. Taste as you go. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. If it lacks depth, more herbs can help. Fresh basil is a great choice at the end. It lifts the flavors and adds a nice aroma. Cooking pasta to al dente is best for this recipe. Al dente means firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy. Follow package instructions, but check a minute early to test. Timing with the sauce is crucial. Drain the pasta just before the sauce is done. This way, you can quickly mix them. The pasta absorbs the sauce better this way, making it more flavorful. Garnishes can elevate your creamy tomato pasta. Fresh basil leaves add color and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a nice salty touch. You can also try a drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. For side dishes, consider serving garlic bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad pairs well. It adds crunch and balances the creamy pasta. This makes your meal complete and satisfying. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free dish, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. This will still give you that creamy texture. Want to add protein? Chicken or shrimp are great choices. Just cook them in the skillet before adding the garlic and tomatoes. They will soak up the flavors from the sauce. To give your dish a kick, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. This small change can make your creamy tomato pasta exciting. You can also include vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're going gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available that taste great and hold sauce well. For a vegan dish, use dairy-free cream and skip the cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These variations make it easy to enjoy creamy tomato pasta in many ways. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! Store your creamy tomato pasta in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for a few days. Use an airtight container to avoid odors. If stored well, it can last up to three days. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet over low heat. Stir often to warm evenly. Add a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much. This step helps keep your sauce creamy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the sauce watery. You can freeze creamy tomato pasta, but the texture may change. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding some cream or pasta water to restore creaminess. No, creamy tomato pasta and marinara sauce are not the same. Marinara sauce is a simple sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It does not have cream. Creamy tomato pasta has a rich and smooth sauce because of the heavy cream. This adds a nice texture and flavor that marinara lacks. To spice up your creamy tomato pasta, you can add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You could also add fresh chopped chili peppers or hot sauce. These options will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavors. Yes, you can make creamy tomato pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then let them cool. Store them in separate airtight containers. This way, you can reheat each part when you’re ready to eat. When reheating, add a bit of pasta water to keep the sauce creamy. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section! You now know how to make a creamy tomato pasta dish. We covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips. Remember, cooking pasta al dente makes a big difference. You can adjust the sauce for flavor and texture. Experiment with ingredients to fit your diet needs. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Making this dish can be fun and easy, so enjoy creating your own version. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in a delicious creamy tomato pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This recipe features simple ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

300g pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work great)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

200ml heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (do not let it brown).

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4