Description
A rich and creamy tomato pasta recipe that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious tomato and cream sauce, enhanced by sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh basil. Ideal for a quick and comforting meal in just 25 minutes, with options for dairy-free adaptations.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or plant-based alternative) and let the sauce cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the grated parmesan cheese to add extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy tomato pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving hot.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and omit parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Fresh basil adds a vibrant herbal freshness—don’t skip the garnish.
- Cooking the garlic briefly prevents bitterness and enhances flavor.
