Nothing quite beats the allure of creamy tomato pasta wafting through the kitchen, enticing everyone with its rich aroma and inviting color. Picture a velvety sauce embracing each twirl of al dente spaghetti, bringing together flavors reminiscent of sun-kissed tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
Now, imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces as they dig into this dish, their forks dancing in delight. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, creamy tomato pasta is the perfect companion for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy tomato pasta is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor in every bite
- Its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner table
- You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies to suit your taste
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak some extra nutrition into your meal without sacrificing flavor!
Sharing this recipe always brings smiles and compliments from my friends and family—it never fails to impress!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta: Use any pasta shape you love; I prefer spaghetti for that classic twirl.
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Canned Tomatoes: Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich base full of flavor.
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Heavy Cream: This adds that luscious creaminess we all crave—don’t skimp on it!
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the dish; avoid pre-minced versions for maximum flavor.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth; don’t even think about using the powdered stuff!
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Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil at the end for a burst of freshness that brightens the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling like a cauldron, add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then pour in those lovely canned tomatoes.
Add Cream and Seasoning: Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste; you want it perfectly balanced.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain your cooked pasta (save some starchy water!) and toss it directly into the sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese and Basil: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with torn basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta straight from the skillet or plate it up—just remember, sharing is optional!
You Must Know
- This creamy tomato pasta not only delights the taste buds but also brings comfort on a busy weeknight
- The vibrant red sauce and aromatic herbs create an inviting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then add tomatoes and let them simmer while cooking your pasta. This sequence ensures the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a creamy sauce that clings to each noodle.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pasta types or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh basil can elevate this creamy tomato pasta to gourmet status, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover creamy tomato pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to restore its luscious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your creamy tomato pasta shine, use high-quality canned tomatoes for richer flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasonings; sometimes it just needs a hint of salt or pepper
- Finally, don’t rush the simmering step; patience truly pays off with flavor development
Cooking this creamy tomato pasta recipe reminds me of my college days when I had very few culinary skills but plenty of ambition. Friends would gather around as I attempted my first homemade sauce, and they were pleasantly surprised by the outcome!
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for creamy tomato pasta?
Penne or fusilli are great choices as they hold onto the sauce well.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for extra flavor.
How do I make my sauce creamier?
Incorporate heavy cream or a splash of milk after blending the tomatoes for extra richness.
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy tomato pasta, a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. This velvety sauce, clinging to perfectly cooked spaghetti, combines sun-kissed tomatoes with aromatic herbs for a truly satisfying experience. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for about 30 seconds.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper; simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta (reserve some starchy water) and toss it into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
