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CreamyTomato Pasta

CreamyTomato Pasta
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CreamyTomato Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner featuring a luscious blend of ripe tomatoes and rich cream to deliver a perfect balance of tanginess and silkiness. It’s simple to prepare with fresh and pantry staple ingredients, ideal for busy weeknights or sharing with family and friends. Customizable with proteins, veggies, and spices, this dish is mild, flavorful, and a family-friendly favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes (ripe) or canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Creamy Elements

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
  • Whole basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Prepare the tomato sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the flavor.
  3. Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined and the sauce turns a beautiful light pink. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a velvety texture and savory depth.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up perfectly. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  5. Finish with fresh herbs: Remove from heat and fold in fresh chopped basil or parsley to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing herbal note. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Choose ripe tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and acidity.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce while helping it cling to pasta.
  • Slowly add cream off high heat to avoid separation and maintain silkiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright, fresh taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comforting pasta, weeknight meal, tomato cream sauce

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/creamytomato-pasta/