Creamy Pasta

Name: Creamy Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 grams Short Pasta (Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well); 200 ml Heavy Cream; 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Or 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1/2 medium Onion (Finely chopped); 50 grams Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated, plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; to taste Salt; to taste Black Pepper; 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil or Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

This quick and easy creamy pasta recipe features al dente pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made with sautéed aromatics, a hint of tomato, and luscious heavy cream, finished with grated cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

#Pasta

#Creamy

#Italian

#Quick

#Weeknight Dinner

#Comfort Food

Pasta boiling in salted water

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

15m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

550

Calories

18g

Protein

55g

Carbs

35g

Fat

Creamy tomato sauce simmering

Ingredients

Servings: 3

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta coated in creamy sauce

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
10m
Generously salt the pasta water for flavorful pasta. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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3m
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While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3m
Cook onions until translucent, but avoid browning them.
3
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to deepen its flavor.
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3m
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Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to deepen its flavor.
3m
Cooking the tomato paste helps to remove its raw flavor and enhances its sweetness.
4
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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4m
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4m
Do not boil the cream vigorously as it can curdle. Keep the heat on medium-low.
5
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
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2m
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Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to ensure all the pasta is coated.
2m
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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1m
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Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
1m
Stirring off the heat prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky texture.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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1m
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
1m
For an extra touch, drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.