Description
Creamy Tomato Pasta is a comforting dish that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a delightful meal. Picture al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from high-quality canned tomatoes and infused with fresh garlic and aromatic basil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table smiling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 can (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the penne, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add tomatoes: Crush the canned tomatoes into the skillet and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate cream: Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Allow it to bubble gently for another 5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well with the sauce until everything is coated. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish with basil: Remove from heat and fold in chopped basil just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (235g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider roasting your tomatoes before using them. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan version. Add spinach or kale for added nutrition.