Description
A delicious and creamy tomato pasta recipe that comes together in just 25 minutes. Featuring a rich tomato and cream sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner. Garnished with fresh basil and optional parmesan, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired meal suitable for both dairy and plant-based preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 200g pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use in the sauce.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow it to thicken and develop flavor.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or plant-based cream) and continue cooking the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta nicely.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, stir in the grated parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy tomato pasta with chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a fresh aromatic touch.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- The reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and improve its texture when combined with the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Fresh basil can be substituted or complemented with fresh parsley or oregano for different herb flavors.
