Creamy Tomato Pasta
This creamy tomato pasta is rich, cozy, and comforting, made with a smooth tomato cream sauce, tender pasta, and simple pantry ingredients. It's an easy homemade meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wide Skillet or Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10–12 minutes to develop a rich tomato flavor.
- Add the cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cream. Let the sauce gently warm and turn smooth, rich, and creamy without boiling.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted, then add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy tomato sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy tomato pasta warm, topped with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.