Description
A comforting and quick creamy tomato pasta dish that combines savory tomato sauce with rich heavy cream, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds to deepen its flavor. Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Season the sauce: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
For added creaminess, consider using more heavy cream or cream cheese. Customize by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
