Description
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is the perfect dish for any occasion. With a luscious combination of tangy tomato passata, rich heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, this spaghetti dish is simple to make yet tastes absolutely gourmet. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- ¾ cup (185 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup / 125 ml low-fat milk
- ¾ cup / 30g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp dried basil (or other herb of choice)
- 1 tsp chicken or vegetable stock powder (or 1 bouillon cube, crumbled)
- Salt and finely ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
-
Prepare the Tomato Cream Sauce
- Stir in the tomato passata and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and low-fat milk, stirring well to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Add Parmesan and Seasonings
- Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil and the chicken or vegetable stock powder (or crumbled bouillon cube).
- Season with salt and finely ground pepper to taste.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Divide the pasta into individual servings.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried basil for garnish.
Notes
- Pasta Water Tip: Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Add it to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- Custom Additions: For added protein, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a fully vegetarian dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired