Print

Creamy Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 66 reviews

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich and velvety tomato sauce with tender pasta and fresh basil. Perfectly balanced with garlic, onion, optional heat from red pepper flakes, and a hint of white wine, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth

Creamy Components and Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Deglaze with white wine: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If desired for a thinner sauce, add the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  7. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  8. Drain pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing to keep starch for sauce binding.
  9. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  10. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
  11. Finish with basil and seasoning: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
  12. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

  • Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help the sauce cling better.
  • Red pepper flakes add optional heat; adjust amount to taste or omit for no spice.
  • Using white wine is optional but adds depth to the sauce flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less rich.
  • Fresh basil can be substituted with dried, but add less as it is more concentrated.
  • Use vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian; chicken broth adds more savory notes if preferred.

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, creamy tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/creamy-tomato-pasta-the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe/