Creamy Tomato Pasta Simple and Flavorful Recipe

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- 300g pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream if you want a dairy-free dish. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, use diced tomatoes instead. You can also replace the onion with shallots for a milder taste. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pasta. For a vegan dish, leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Spaghetti and penne work best for creamy tomato pasta. Other great choices include fusilli and farfalle. These shapes hold the sauce well, making every bite tasty. You can also experiment with whole grain or chickpea pasta for added nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, either spaghetti or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander, but keep that water. You might need it later for the sauce. While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion that you have finely chopped. Sauté this for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that fragrant garlic aroma. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, which is about 400 grams. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Now, lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Mix it well until the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Once your sauce is creamy, it’s time to add the pasta. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it gets a nice coating of the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld perfectly. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of your homemade tomato pasta! To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both work well. If you find the sauce too thick, add some pasta water. This will help reach the right texture. Stir in the cream slowly for even mixing. Each bite should feel smooth and rich. Add fresh herbs like basil to boost flavors. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give a nice heat. If you want a sweet touch, a little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip salting the pasta water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Avoid cooking the sauce too fast, as it needs time to blend flavors. Make sure to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for a perfect finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, opt for high-quality brands. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth, allowing the tomato flavor to shine. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a depth of flavor and a little kick. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure not to overcook your pasta. Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up well in the sauce and absorbs flavors. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the flavor and nutrition of your creamy tomato pasta by adding proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the onion. For shrimp, add them after cooking the garlic. Cook them until they turn pink. You can also use cooked sausage for a hearty touch. Just slice it and mix it in with the sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, just skip the meat. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onions. For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or chickpea pasta. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. The creamy sauce works well with these options. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the broth, are also gluten-free. To store your creamy tomato pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents unwanted smells in your fridge. Leftovers can stay good for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. If you want to freeze your creamy tomato pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when it freezes. Your pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy delicious pasta anytime! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Start with about 1.5 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them for best results. Dice the tomatoes and add them to your skillet. Cook them down until soft, about 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps bring out their natural sweetness. The sauce will taste fresh and bright. To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onion and garlic. Cook with them for a few minutes to release their heat. Another option is to sprinkle in some hot sauce while cooking the sauce. This allows you to control the spice level. This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another great option for dipping. You could also serve it with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the pasta nicely. Enjoy exploring different sides! This blog post covered everything you need to know for creamy tomato pasta. We explored key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to add protein and even vegan options. You learned about storing leftovers and reheating. Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things. So, get creative with flavors and enjoy your meal!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to whip up a dish that delights your taste buds? My Creamy Tomato Pasta is simple to make and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. In this post, I’ll share my easy step-by-step guide, plus tips, substitutions, and ways to customize it. Let’s dive into this creamy goodness that everyone will love!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This creamy tomato pasta can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of crushed tomatoes and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
  3. Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding vegetables, proteins, or using different types of pasta.
  4. Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 300g pasta (spaghetti or penne)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Substitutions for Common Ingredients

You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream if you want a dairy-free dish. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, use diced tomatoes instead. You can also replace the onion with shallots for a milder taste. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pasta. For a vegan dish, leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Recommended Pasta Types

Spaghetti and penne work best for creamy tomato pasta. Other great choices include fusilli and farfalle. These shapes hold the sauce well, making every bite tasty. You can also experiment with whole grain or chickpea pasta for added nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, either spaghetti or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander, but keep that water. You might need it later for the sauce.

Making the Creamy Tomato Sauce

While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion that you have finely chopped. Sauté this for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that fragrant garlic aroma.

Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, which is about 400 grams. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.

Now, lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Mix it well until the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Once your sauce is creamy, it’s time to add the pasta. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it gets a nice coating of the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld perfectly. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of your homemade tomato pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creaminess

To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both work well. If you find the sauce too thick, add some pasta water. This will help reach the right texture. Stir in the cream slowly for even mixing. Each bite should feel smooth and rich.

Flavor Enhancements

Add fresh herbs like basil to boost flavors. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give a nice heat. If you want a sweet touch, a little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip salting the pasta water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Avoid cooking the sauce too fast, as it needs time to blend flavors. Make sure to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for a perfect finish.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, opt for high-quality brands.
  2. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth, allowing the tomato flavor to shine.
  3. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a depth of flavor and a little kick.
  4. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure not to overcook your pasta. Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up well in the sauce and absorbs flavors.

Variations

Adding Proteins (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)

You can easily boost the flavor and nutrition of your creamy tomato pasta by adding proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the onion. For shrimp, add them after cooking the garlic. Cook them until they turn pink. You can also use cooked sausage for a hearty touch. Just slice it and mix it in with the sauce.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

If you want a vegetarian version, just skip the meat. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onions. For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or chickpea pasta. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. The creamy sauce works well with these options. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the broth, are also gluten-free.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your creamy tomato pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents unwanted smells in your fridge. Leftovers can stay good for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot.

Freezing Tips

If you want to freeze your creamy tomato pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when it freezes. Your pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy delicious pasta anytime!

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Start with about 1.5 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them for best results. Dice the tomatoes and add them to your skillet. Cook them down until soft, about 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps bring out their natural sweetness. The sauce will taste fresh and bright.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onion and garlic. Cook with them for a few minutes to release their heat. Another option is to sprinkle in some hot sauce while cooking the sauce. This allows you to control the spice level.

What can I serve with creamy tomato pasta?

This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another great option for dipping. You could also serve it with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the pasta nicely. Enjoy exploring different sides!

This blog post covered everything you need to know for creamy tomato pasta. We explored key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to add protein and even vegan options. You learned about storing leftovers and reheating.

Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things. So, get creative with flavors and enjoy your mea

- 300g pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream if you want a dairy-free dish. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, use diced tomatoes instead. You can also replace the onion with shallots for a milder taste. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free pasta. For a vegan dish, leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Spaghetti and penne work best for creamy tomato pasta. Other great choices include fusilli and farfalle. These shapes hold the sauce well, making every bite tasty. You can also experiment with whole grain or chickpea pasta for added nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, either spaghetti or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander, but keep that water. You might need it later for the sauce. While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion that you have finely chopped. Sauté this for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that fragrant garlic aroma. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, which is about 400 grams. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Now, lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Mix it well until the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Once your sauce is creamy, it’s time to add the pasta. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it gets a nice coating of the sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld perfectly. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of your homemade tomato pasta! To make your sauce creamy, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both work well. If you find the sauce too thick, add some pasta water. This will help reach the right texture. Stir in the cream slowly for even mixing. Each bite should feel smooth and rich. Add fresh herbs like basil to boost flavors. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes will give a nice heat. If you want a sweet touch, a little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don’t skip salting the pasta water. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Avoid cooking the sauce too fast, as it needs time to blend flavors. Make sure to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for a perfect finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, opt for high-quality brands. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable or chicken broth, allowing the tomato flavor to shine. Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a depth of flavor and a little kick. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure not to overcook your pasta. Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up well in the sauce and absorbs flavors. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the flavor and nutrition of your creamy tomato pasta by adding proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Simply cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the onion. For shrimp, add them after cooking the garlic. Cook them until they turn pink. You can also use cooked sausage for a hearty touch. Just slice it and mix it in with the sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, just skip the meat. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onions. For a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the dish rich and creamy without dairy. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or chickpea pasta. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. The creamy sauce works well with these options. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients, like the broth, are also gluten-free. To store your creamy tomato pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents unwanted smells in your fridge. Leftovers can stay good for up to three days. Always label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. If you want to freeze your creamy tomato pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The sauce can expand when it freezes. Your pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy delicious pasta anytime! Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Start with about 1.5 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them for best results. Dice the tomatoes and add them to your skillet. Cook them down until soft, about 10 to 15 minutes. This process helps bring out their natural sweetness. The sauce will taste fresh and bright. To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onion and garlic. Cook with them for a few minutes to release their heat. Another option is to sprinkle in some hot sauce while cooking the sauce. This allows you to control the spice level. This creamy tomato pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another great option for dipping. You could also serve it with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the pasta nicely. Enjoy exploring different sides! This blog post covered everything you need to know for creamy tomato pasta. We explored key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to add protein and even vegan options. You learned about storing leftovers and reheating. Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things. So, get creative with flavors and enjoy your meal!

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g pasta (spaghetti or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Lower the heat, and gradually stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring that every piece is well coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes together so the flavors meld.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve in a shallow pasta bowl and sprinkle some extra basil and Parmesan cheese on top for a gourmet touch.
Keyword creamy, dinner, pasta, tomato

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