Description
A comforting and creamy tomato pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato cream sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and butter until creamy.
- Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Use reserved water to adjust consistency. Garnish with basil and serve.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the cream for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
