Description
This creamy tomato pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and velvety tomato cream sauce, enhanced by sautéed garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant dish ideal for quick dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 200g pasta
sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
toppings
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream slowly, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor profile.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the sauce, tossing gently to coat all pasta strands evenly with the creamy tomato mixture.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top of the combined pasta and sauce, allowing it to melt slightly and add a savory richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, adding a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma just before serving.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for best results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a vegan cream alternative.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; adding a pinch of red chili flakes can add a subtle heat.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with parsley or oregano based on preference.
- Grate fresh parmesan cheese for better flavor compared to pre-grated options.
