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–+ servings
Melany

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe is a must-try dish!

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce is smooth.
  4. 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.
  5. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the creamy tomato sauce. Add a splash of hot pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
  6.  
  7. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
  • Pasta options: Penne works best, but fusilli or rigatoni are great too.
  • Dairy-free? Use a plant-based cream and skip the cheese.

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