Quick Creamy Tomato Pasta

Name: Quick Creamy Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300 grams Pasta (Penne, spaghetti, or your preferred short pasta); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin); 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili (Flakes or 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped, adjust to taste); 400 grams Canned Crushed Tomatoes (One standard can); 200 ml Heavy Cream (Also known as cooking cream); to taste Salt; to taste Black Pepper; 1/4 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley (Chopped, for garnish); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated, for serving (optional))

A delightful and easy-to-make creamy tomato pasta recipe that comes together quickly, perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish features al dente pasta coated in a rich, tangy tomato sauce with a hint of chili, finished with a luscious touch of cream and fresh herbs.

#pasta

#tomato

#creamy

#easy

#quick

#weeknight meal

#italian

#vegetarian

Fresh ingredients ready to cook

Recipe Information

10m

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

30m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

German

Nutrition (per serving)

550

Calories

18g

Protein

65g

Carbs

25g

Fat

Sautéing onions and garlic for the sauce

Ingredients

Servings: 4

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

Creamy tomato sauce simmering

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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10m
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Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
10m
Salt your pasta water well; it's your first chance to season the pasta itself.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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4m
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4m
Don't rush the onions; softening them brings out their sweetness.
3
Add the minced garlic and chili flakes (or fresh chili) to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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1m
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Add the minced garlic and chili flakes (or fresh chili) to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
1m
Chili flakes add a lovely warmth. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
4
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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7m
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
7m
A longer simmer will deepen the tomato flavor.
5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding cream.
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2m
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not boil the sauce after adding cream.
2m
Using room temperature cream can help prevent it from splitting.
6
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the creamy tomato sauce.
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1m
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Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of pasta water. Add the drained pasta directly to the creamy tomato sauce.
1m
The starch in the pasta water helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
7
Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
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2m
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Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
2m
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.