Ever have one of those days where nothing but a big bowl of pasta will do? That was me last Tuesday—chaos at work, phone battery dying, and a sudden downpour soaking my shoes. All I could think about was a creamy tomato pasta, rich and comforting, with just the right amount of garlic. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, who doesn’t need that sometimes?
Steps
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite, following the package’s instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the minced garlic for about a minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for around 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adding a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of hot pasta water if needed to adjust the thickness.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese as desired.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Nutritional Values
Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 654mg | Potassium: 569mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1383IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you have available. While penne is recommended for its ability to hold the sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- What can I use instead of tomato sauce if I live in the UK?
- If you’re in the UK and can’t find tomato sauce, passata is a suitable alternative for this recipe.
- How can I adjust the sauce if it’s too acidic?
- If you find the sauce too tart, adding a pinch of sugar can help balance out the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
- It’s not recommended to replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, as this may cause the sauce to curdle due to the acidity of the tomatoes.
- What can I add to the sauce to make it more filling?
- You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or other proteins of your choice. Adding vegetables like spinach towards the end of cooking is another great way to enhance the dish.
Tips
- If you find the sauce too acidic, consider adding a small amount of sugar to balance out the flavors and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- When choosing pasta, penne is a great option as its shape helps to hold and coat the sauce effectively, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
- For a richer and creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of substitutes with lower fat content, as lighter alternatives might cause the sauce to curdle due to the acidity of the tomatoes.
- You can customize the herb profile by adding or substituting with dried oregano, basil, or even fresh herbs if available, for a different flavor twist.
Equipment
- Skillet: A good quality skillet for cooking the sauce.
- Garlic Press: For easily mincing garlic.
- Garlic Saver: To store leftover garlic cloves.
- Butter Dish with Measurement Markings: Useful for measuring butter easily.
