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Why Make This Recipe
Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomatoes and cream in a delicious ensemble. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests with minimal effort. The creamy texture combined with the earthy taste of parmesan cheese makes for a meal that feels indulgent yet simple. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor!
How to Make Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
- 300g/10 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp/30g unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup/250 ml tomato passata (or tomato puree – Note 1)
- ¾ cup/185 ml heavy/thickened cream (Note 2 for subs)
- ½ cup/125 ml milk, low fat
- ¾ cup/30g parmesan, finely freshly grated (Note 3)
- 1 tsp dried basil, or other herb of choice
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (or 1 bouillon cube, crumbled – Note 4)
- Finely ground pepper + salt
Directions:
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Cook pasta in a big pot of boiling water for time per packet MINUS 2 minutes. Just before draining, scoop out a mugful of pasta cooking water.
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook until translucent – about 2 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients. Stir until parmesan is melted. Turn heat up slightly and simmer for 2 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
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Add pasta. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce thickens and is clinging to pasta instead of swimming on the base of the skillet. Use reserved pasta cooking water if required to thin the sauce out if it gets too thick.
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Serve immediately, garnished with more parmesan and parsley if desired.
How to Serve Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
Serve your Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce hot, garnished with extra grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
- If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
- More garlic can be added for those who love a stronger flavor.
Variation
You can add cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to make the dish heartier. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato passata?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just blend them until smooth and cook them down to reduce excess moisture.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
Can I freeze Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Pasta and sauce ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti Can substitute with other pasta types.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter For a lighter option, consider using olive oil.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Add more for a stronger flavor.
- ½ onion finely chopped Use yellow or white onion.
- 1 cup tomato passata Can substitute with tomato puree.
- ¾ cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- ½ cup low fat milk
- ¾ cup parmesan, finely grated Pecorino Romano or dairy-free alternatives can be used.
- 1 tsp dried basil Feel free to use other herbs.
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder Or use 1 bouillon cube, crumbled.
- Finely ground pepper + salt To taste.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook pasta in a big pot of boiling water for time per packet MINUS 2 minutes. Just before draining, scoop out a mugful of pasta cooking water.
Preparing the Sauce
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook until translucent – about 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients. Stir until parmesan is melted. Turn heat up slightly and simmer for 2 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add pasta. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce thickens and is clinging to pasta instead of swimming on the base of the skillet. Use reserved pasta cooking water if required to thin the sauce out if it gets too thick.
- Serve immediately, garnished with more parmesan and parsley if desired.