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- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Gathering the right ingredients is key to making creamy tomato pasta. Start with your choice of pasta. Penne or fusilli works best. Both hold sauce well and offer a nice bite. Next, you'll need olive oil. This adds a rich flavor and helps cook the onions. A medium onion, finely chopped, gives a sweet base to the sauce. The onions should cook until soft and clear. For flavor, garlic is a must. Three cloves, minced, will bring warmth to the dish. Crushed tomatoes add depth. A 14 oz can gives the sauce its body and tang. To make it creamy, heavy cream is essential. One cup will turn the sauce rich and smooth. For seasoning, dried oregano enhances the tomato flavor. A teaspoon of sugar balances the acidity. Salt and pepper add taste. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish and aroma. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese adds the finishing touch, bringing all the flavors together. You can check the full recipe for more details! - Step 1: Cook the Pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook it until it's al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. - Step 2: Drain and Reserve Pasta Water Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Don't forget to save about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps to thicken your sauce later and gives it a nice texture. - Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for another minute until they smell amazing. - Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer Pour in a 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then. This step builds rich flavors. - Step 5: Make It Creamy Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix it well until everything combines. If your sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get the right consistency. - Step 6: Combine and Serve Toss in the cooked pasta into the sauce. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly. Let it cook on low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm everything through. Serve it hot, and top with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta delight! For the full recipe, check the section above. To get the right creamy texture, start with heavy cream. Add it slowly to the sauce. This helps it blend well. If you find it too thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it. For seasoning, always taste as you go. You might want more salt or pepper. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. When sautéing, keep your heat medium. This helps the onions and garlic cook evenly. Stir often to avoid burning. For pasta, always use salted boiling water. This adds flavor to the pasta itself. Cook until al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Garnishing is key for a beautiful dish. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the look and taste. Serve it in a large bowl or individual plates. This makes each serving feel special. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy! {{image_2}} When it comes to creamy tomato pasta, the fun really begins with variations. You can change up ingredients and flavors to suit your taste or diet. Let's explore some great swaps and additions. - Substituting pasta types: You can use any pasta you like. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Spiralized veggies also make a great low-carb base. - Using alternative creams: If you want a vegan dish, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a creamy taste without dairy. - Incorporating vegetables: Adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms boosts nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onions for a tasty twist. - Adding proteins: For a heartier meal, toss in cooked chicken or shrimp. Both add protein and make the dish even more filling. - Italian-inspired variations: To give it an Italian flair, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These add a burst of flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. - Fusion ideas: Get creative! Add some taco seasoning for a Mexican twist or stir in soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian flavor. These can change the whole vibe of the dish. Remember, these variations allow you to make creamy tomato pasta your own. For the full details on the classic recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Enjoy experimenting! To keep creamy tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling your dish. I recommend using glass containers for easy viewing. You can also use plastic containers if you prefer. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing it up. This step helps avoid condensation, which can make the pasta mushy. If you want to freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly in a pan over low heat. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or milk for creaminess. In the fridge, creamy tomato pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If you see mold, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta while it’s fresh for the best taste! You can find the full recipe [here](#). How to make creamy tomato pasta? To make creamy tomato pasta, start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. Let it simmer for about ten minutes. Then, stir in heavy cream until well mixed. Toss in the cooked pasta and serve with fresh basil and Parmesan. For the complete steps, check the Full Recipe. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use alternatives like half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or silken tofu blended smooth. Each substitute will change the texture and flavor slightly, so choose one that fits your taste. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just chop about 4-5 medium tomatoes and cook them down until soft. You may need to add a bit more liquid since fresh tomatoes have less moisture than canned ones. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? To prevent curdling, add the cream to the sauce at a low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream. Stir gently, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to help keep it smooth. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish? Creamy tomato pasta offers a good balance of carbs and fats. The tomatoes provide vitamins C and K, while the cream adds calcium. This dish can help fuel your day with energy and nutrition. Is creamy tomato pasta suitable for meal prep? Yes, creamy tomato pasta is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently to enjoy later. This blog post gives you a clear recipe for creamy tomato pasta. You learned the essential ingredients, how to cook, and tips for perfecting the sauce. With these steps, your dish will impress anyone. Remember, you can adjust flavors and try new ingredients to make it your own. Store leftovers properly to savor them later. This dish is not just tasty; it's also easy to make and versatile. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy every bite of your creation.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Discover the ultimate creamy tomato pasta recipe that will transform your weeknight dinners! Quick and easy to make, this delicious dish features a rich blend of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, perfectly complemented by fresh basil and Parmesan. In under 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Click to explore the full recipe and surprise your family with this delectable creamy pasta tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add oregano and sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Allow to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

        Make It Creamy: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined and the sauce is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach desired consistency.

          Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low heat to warm everything through.

            Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from heat, serve immediately, and top with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4