Description
This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a rich, comforting dish featuring tender penne tossed in a velvety tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne recommended)
2 tablespoons butter
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
¾ cup heavy or whipping cream
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Optional:
Pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
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While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce is smooth.
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Let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Lower heat if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste, and a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
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Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the creamy tomato sauce. Add a splash of hot pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
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Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
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Pasta options: Penne works best, but fusilli or rigatoni are great too.
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Dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream and skip the cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired