Creamy Tomato Pasta

$- 300g pasta (fusilli or penne works well) - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 200ml heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) You need these simple items to create your creamy tomato pasta. Start with the pasta. I like fusilli or penne, but you can choose any shape you like. The crushed tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Heavy cream adds that creamy touch. If you want a dairy-free dish, coconut cream works too! Olive oil helps sauté the garlic, giving it a nice flavor. Minced garlic brings a strong aroma and taste to the dish, while dried basil and oregano add depth. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For garnish, fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for extra richness. With these ingredients, you are on your way to a delicious meal in just 20 minutes! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. This takes about 5–10 minutes. Once boiling, add 300g of pasta. You can use fusilli or penne. Cook the pasta for the time on the package. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. To check, taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, let’s make the sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in one can (400g) of crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix together. Now, lower the heat and add 200ml of heavy cream to the sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. Stir until it’s all mixed. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 more minutes. Make sure it’s heated through. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to coat it with the creamy tomato sauce. Serve right away with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. To boost flavor, try adding spices like red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for depth. If you love herbs, fresh basil or parsley adds a bright taste. You can also use a splash of balsamic vinegar to add sweetness and acidity. When cooking, always sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned. This method keeps it sweet and mild. Let your sauce simmer longer for richer flavors. A simple tip is to mix in a bit of the pasta water to thin the sauce, creating a silkier texture. Prep your ingredients before cooking. Chop garlic and measure out spices ahead of time. This way, you save minutes while cooking. Keep your workspace tidy to stay focused. Use kitchen tools like a garlic press or a measuring cup to save time. A large skillet is perfect for this dish. It allows you to cook and mix everything in one pan, cutting down on dishes. For plating, use a large bowl to give your pasta space to shine. Twirl the pasta with a fork for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. If you're using Parmesan, sprinkle it on just before serving. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice finish. This makes the dish look fancy and tastes great! Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For this creamy sauce, pasta shapes like fusilli or penne work best as they hold the sauce well. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. Customize Your Cream: You can use heavy cream for richness or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, both giving a deliciously creamy texture. {{image_2}} You can adjust this creamy tomato pasta to fit your diet. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It gives a rich taste without dairy. For those needing gluten-free meals, choose gluten-free pasta like rice or corn pasta. Both adjustments keep the dish tasty. You can add protein to make the dish heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. Just stir them in with the sauce. This makes the meal filling and boosts flavor. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them fresh. The type of pasta you use makes a difference. Fusilli and penne are great for this creamy sauce. They hold the sauce well and offer good texture. You can also try spaghetti or farfalle for a fun twist. Each shape changes the feel of the dish, so experiment to find your favorite! To keep your creamy tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact. It’s best to eat the leftovers within 3 days. After that, the sauce may not taste as good. When reheating creamy sauces, use low heat. You can use the stove or microwave. Stir the sauce gently to keep it creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or cream. This will help regain the smooth texture. If you want to freeze your pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it slowly on the stove, adding a bit of cream to revive the sauce. You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping some ingredients. Here are some simple swaps: - Use 200ml coconut cream instead of heavy cream. - Replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. - Make sure the pasta is egg-free; look for vegan pasta options. These changes keep the flavor rich and delicious without dairy. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and sauce separately. - Store the sauce in the fridge for up to three days. - Keep the pasta in an airtight container. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and mix with pasta. This keeps everything fresh. Pairing dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - Roasted vegetables for extra flavor. These sides balance the creamy pasta and make your meal more exciting. In this post, we covered how to make creamy tomato pasta. We discussed the ingredients and cooking steps, along with useful tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to adapt the dish for dietary needs and variations. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them effectively. Making creamy tomato pasta is fun and rewarding. With practice, you'll create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy the process and share your tasty results!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

300 g pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
200 ml heavy cream (or coconut cream)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil and oregano. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the tomato sauce. Stir until well combined and let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, quick, tomato